Glen Ellyn Junior Woman's Club & Salvation Army will distribute Christmas Baskets full of gifts and food to local families in need.
Please click and print the Christmas Baskets Flyer.
Contact Mary GEJuniorsxmasbaskets@gmail.com or 773.620.1919 before December 1st for more information & details.
We need individuals, families, businesses, organizations, or anyone with a giving heart to help fill our Christmas Baskets with love!
* What does it mean to "adopt" a family?
A family that is "adopted" is given new gifts for each person in the family. Those gifts are guided by a list of needs/wishes the family provides (along with sizes, etc.). The needs will range from basic clothing necessities to household goods. We have families that range from very small to very large and we will help you find the family that best fits your budget. We also have Seniors that need to be adopted.
* Who adopts the families?
Individuals, families, organizations, playgroups, neighborhoods, businesses, etc. participate as Secret Santas in our program. We can tailor a family for any group/ individual.
* What is included in the "basket"?
The word "basket" doesn't quite do justice to what our adopted families receive! Along with the new gifts that are purchased for the families, our local schools do a HUGE toy drive, so every child receives atleast one new toy or gift card. In addition, The Salvation Army partners with us so that each family receives basic perishable and nonperishable pantry items.
When the baskets are finally put together, it is usually several large boxes that are delivered.
* Who delivers to the families?
Volunteers! Anyone who would like to bring joy to a family is welcome to be a part of our delivery team. Many groups that adopt a family also choose to deliver personally – though this is by no means a requirement. Our local volunteer Fire Department is one of our largest donors – they deliver all morning long for us!
* Where do these families live?
All of our adopted families are local. The families live within the boundaries of our Glen Ellyn School Districts.
* How are the families identified?
School social workers help us identify families in need, and each family is required to apply to our program. Those applications are then reviewed and confirmed. We have the capacity to service approximately 150 families and 20 Seniors; we anticipate maxing our capacity again this year.
* What are other ways to help this program?
We need volunteers to help us wrap the toys from the toy drive, organize and sort out the food products, assemble the "baskets" (boxes), and deliver to the families.
* Where is the location?
Parkview Community Church (764 St. Charles Rd, Glen Ellyn – in front of Ackerman Park) has graciously offered us the use of their facility again this year.
* What are the dates?
BEFORE Dec. 1st contact Mary to adopt a family (GEJuniorsXmasBaskets@gmail.com) or 773.620.1919
Thursday, Dec. 8th 7am – 7pm: Gifts dropped off, toys wrapped, food organized and "baskets" assembled @ Parkview Community Church
Saturday, Dec. 10th 9am: Baskets delivered to families
Please download and print the Christmas Baskets Flyer.