YWCA Evanston/North Shore
The YWCA is in need of donations for its domestic violence shelter for women and their children. Target gift cards, new winter boots, hats, mittens and gloves, and new, unwrapped holiday gifts for women and children are needed for residents who often enter the shelter with nothing.
Financial contributions to support the YWCA are especially appreciated and may be sent to the YWCA Evanston/North Shore, 1215 Church Street, Evanston, 60201 or donated online at www.ywca.org/evanston.
Interfaith Action
Every year Interfaith Action wishes for backpacks and umbrellas and other things to help make the lives of homeless people more comfortable, and the wish is granted.
This year there is a new wish: Along with the caseworkers at Connections for the Homeless, Interfaith Action has been sponsoring an overnight place for people to sleep when the temperature hits zero. The City has donated cots; others have donated bedding, and a church is donating the space. What we need
is a volunteer to pick up the dirty blankets in the morning, wash them at the laundromat and return them to the church.
Salvation Army Seeks Volunteers
The annual Salvation Army Kettle Drive has begun its yearly effort to help people in need during the holiday season This season’s goal is $175,000, which will assist Evanston families.
Bell ringers, gift wrappers in neighborhood book stores, dinner servers for Christmas as well as those who can help assemble holiday food baskets can make a valuable contribution. There is even a chance to play Santa’s helper, bagging toys and clothing for children. The Army will be caroling at local nursing homes – no auditions required, just a big heart and a willing voice.
Senior Connections
Senior Connections, a small non-profit, has for 19 years recruited, trained and supported community volunteers to visit 70+ isolated older adults throughout Evanston at no cost to the older adults.
We would love more volunteers to spend an hour a week listening/sharing/befriending an older adult, two portable phones, pro-bono
or reduced-rate graphic arts services, help updating databases and website, copy machine and cash donations. Please contact Barbara Sittler at Senior Connections 847-869-0682 or wevisitseniors@gmail.com.
Mental Health Association of the North Shore
The Mental Health Association of the North Shore (MHANS), a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to community education, as in our ongoing series of dialogues with parents and teachers of Evanston/Skokie School District 65 focusing on mental health topics such as bullying and depression. Brochures and information are provided to the public free of charge, and MHANS would deeply appreciate donations of paper, a printer (color or B&W) and toner cartridges, as well as monetary donations.
Please contact Karen Daughtry, office manager, The Mental Health Association of the North Shore (MHANS), 2120 Lincoln Street, Evanston, IL 60201; 847-328-6198; www.MHANS.org
Mitchell Museum of The American Indian
The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., serves visitors from Evanston to Japan, with almost half of our attendance from school tours. Our mission is to promote and share a deeper understanding of American Indian peoples.
Our annual matching campaign doubles donation dollars through the end of the year. Or consider volunteering or an in-kind gift of supplies such as yarn for a kids’ craft. Please contact Kathleen McDonald at 847-475-1030 or go to www.mitchellmuseum.org.
Center for Independent Futures
Center for Independent Futures, 743 Main St., is a not-for-profit organization with the mission to form innovative partnerships to create product and service models that give individuals with disabilities and their families the skills and opportunities to realize full lives.
Currently, we need used or new laptops for our lending library of computers, grocery gift cards for group meals and meetings, volunteers to mentor students with disabilities transitioning to adult life, and general monetary donations to support our programs and services. Please contact ldrake@independentfutures.com or 847-328-2044.
Family Focus
Family Focus is seeking individuals and/or groups to sponsor a family for the holidays.
All gifts should be wrapped, labeled and delivered to Family Focus (2010 Dewey Ave.) by Dec. 13, 2010 (no later than Dec. 14). Please contact JoAnn Avery at 847-475-7570 x 22, or e-mail delta403@yahoo.com.
Foundation 65
Foundation 65 (F65) is a 501(C)(3), non-profit organization that raises and grants funds for projects that expand, enrich and complement educational opportunities for the students and educators in Evanston-Skokie District 65. With a three-year focus on enrichment of arts and literacy, F65 seeks to reach all schools and all students, promote active student participation and support students during key transitions. To learn more or contribute to, please go to www.foundation65.org/
Mayor’s Food and Toy Drive
The annual holiday toy and food drive, sponsored by Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and local community organizations, continues through Dec. 20. Residents are invited to bring new, unwrapped toys and/or non-perishable food items to Room 1100 of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. More information is available by calling 847-448-8138.