Holiday Food and Gift Basket, a program of the Community of Congregations, has been a beloved tradition in Oak Park and River Forest since the 1970’s. Every year we provide grocery gift cards in November and holiday gifts in December to families that have been referred to us by schools, township offices, and social service agencies.
This year, 780 families ranging in size from individuals to families of twelve have been referred to us. Each individual or family will receive a Jewel-Osco gift card that varies from $35 to $80 depending on family size. We hope that these gift cards will help offset Thanksgiving grocery expenses and provide a more enjoyable holiday.
We also match families with sponsors who shop for gifts off a provided wish list, wrap the gifts, and deliver them to us at United Lutheran Church the week of December 9. Then on Saturday, December 14, volunteers will load up their cars with the wrapped gifts and spread holiday joy throughout our community.
As one past recipient said, “You brought Christmas joy that warmed my heart in a truly special way. This is the first year in several that I am actually looking forward to Christmas and I need to give you 100% of the credit.”
Our small program has a big impact because of the support of community members like you. For information on how you can be a donor, sponsor, or volunteer, please visit our website at https://www.communityofcongregations.org/holiday-food-gift-basket/. Thank you for helping our neighbors in need.
Holiday Food and Gift Basket
Holiday Food and Gift Basket, a program of the Community of Congregations, has been spreading holiday joy to families in Oak Park and River Forest since the 1970’s.
In November, every family referred to us receives a grocery gift card paid for withdonations. On the second Saturday of December, volunteers deliver holiday gifts that have been purchased by sponsors from a provided wish list. Our small program has a big impact because of the support of community members like you.
Visit our website at www.communityofcongregations.org/holiday-food-gift-basket to find out how you can be a donor, sponsor, or volunteer.