Many worthwhile Evanston agencies could use a boost at this holiday season. Not-for-profit organizations in Evanston that wish to be listed in this column may send a 150-word summary of their organization’s purpose, needs and wish-lists to editor@evanstonroundtable.com. Information must be received by Dec. 11 to appear in the Dec. 18 issue.
Make the holidays bright for a CNE child
The holiday season is a magical time, especially for children. It is a time to show loved ones how much we really care – through spending time together and giving gifts. This holiday season offers the opportunity to provide holiday excitement to CNE children by sponsoring a child. Sponsors provide two items – a clothing item and a toy – for each child they sponsor. The total cost of sponsoring one child is only about $30, and there are more than 150 kids signed up. Those interested can send an email with how many children they would like to sponsor, along with contact information, to sponsorachild@childcarenetworkofevanston.org.
Partnerships in Education Service
Partnerships in Education & Service supports public school education through the organization of volunteers from colleges, universities, public schools and public sectors. Since 2008 PIEs has sent more than 200 volunteers to help reopen a dozen schools in New Orleans. Even a $5 donation, combined with other $5 donations can help pay for a lunch for a team of 15 or bus transportation to and from the work site or purchase supplies needed for our volunteers to get the school ready for first day opening. Donations can be made at www.Partnershipsineducation.org .
Support the Evanston Public Library
For more than 140 years, the Library has provided educational, culturally-rich resources for all residents, helped children prepare for school through the joys of reading and learning, celebrated Evanston’s diversity, and helped residents find information they seek. The Library is more than a building of books; it is a place to meet, connect, learn and explore. Gifts to the Evanston Public Library bring the power of literacy, information, skills training, civic engagement, and technology to every corner of Evanston. From this power, the entire community grows stronger, together.
The library welcomes donations (1703 Orrington Ave., Evanston 60201), corporate sponsors of programs (through Wynn Shawver) and volunteers (through Mary Kling).
Holiday Food & Toy Drive
To ensure every Evanston family gets to celebrate this holiday season, Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl calls on all residents, community members and visitors, young and old, to participate in the sixth annual Holiday Food & Toy Drive by providing food, toys and financial donations through Dec. 12.
The City is currently collecting non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys that encourage physical and/or social activities at the Morton Civic Center; the Main, North Branch and Chicago Avenue/Main Street libraries; Chandler-Newberger, Robert Crown and Fleetwood-Jourdain community center; the Levy Center, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, the Ecology Center and all five fire stations.
Tax-deductible financial donations can also be made online at cityofevanston.org/holidaydonation or by mail to Parks, Recreation and Community Services Dept., c/o Joe McRae, 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. Checks should be made payable to “City of Evanston Holiday Giving.”
On Dec. 19, community members can also donate their time by volunteering during the holiday basket giveaway event. Online registration is available at VolunteerEvanston.org.