Holiday Giving Opportunities in Lake Zurich

There are numerous opportunities to experience the true meaning of Christmas in Lake Zurich by helping those less fortunate.

Here are some:

Verizon Wireless Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive

The Lake Zurich Verizon Wireless, 668 S. Rand Road, is participating in this toy drive for children of domestic violence survivors.  With a simple donation, residents have a chance to impact the life of a child in need this holiday season. Donations can be made through Saturday, Dec. 15.

Give Gifts that Help Children Succeed with United Way of Lake County's Holiday Catalog

Make a donation in honor of or in memory of a special person who made a difference in your life. Or consider a gift from United Way of Lake County’s Holiday Catalog in lieu of holiday gifts to your employees or clients. You can provide emergency food, sponsor a child in an early learning club or other opportunities that help children succeed.

Donate or Help Serve Food at the Emmaus House of Hospitality

Cook a dish and bring it to Sunday Night Dinner in Lake Zurich.  Help serve or clean up at the dinners or be part of the food rescue team which visits food retail supports and picks up food to distribute on Sundays.  This opportunity is available year round.

Toys for Tots Drop Off in Hawthorn Woods

Hawthorn Woods Country Club is an official drop off site for new, unwrapped toys from November 24th through December 19th of this year. There will be drop off boxes located in the clubhouse lobby, golf pro shop and fitness center areas at the Club.

Goddard School in Hawthorn Woods is also accepting Toys for Tots drop offs  through Dec. 14.

Other area drop offs for Toys for Tots are the Old Navy in Kildeer and the UPS Store in Lake Zurich.

Library’s Mitten Tree Benefits Local Organizations

The Ela Area Public Library is accepting new and “like new” mittens, gloves, scarves and hats for the Library’s annual Mitten Tree. Beginning Sunday, Dec. 1, donations can be placed on the tree located in the Library’s lobby through Jan. 4, 2013. Last year, more than 450 items were distributed to the residents at Mount St. Joseph in Lake Zurich and the Lake County Haven in Libertyville.

This annual program is just one of many meaningful projects run by the Library to benefit the community at large. For more information, contact the Ela Area Public Library at (847) 438-3433.

Ela Area Public Library “Food for Fines” Program

The Ela Area Public Library will once again offer its patrons a chance to trade their current Library fines to support a local food pantry during its popular Food for Fines program in December.          

The Library will accept donations of non-perishable boxed or canned food, paper goods and cleaning supplies as payment for current overdue fines December 1-30. Restrictions apply. Please visit www.eapl.org for details and information.

All donations collected will be distributed to families in need. For more information, please call the Library at 847/438-3433.

Did we miss any opportunities for holiday giving? Tell us in the comments.