Holiday Food and Gift Basket, a program of the Community of Congregations, has concluded our 2025 season, and I want to thank the hundreds of donors, sponsors, and volunteers who gave so generously to make it a success.
This year, 667 families totaling 1,873 individuals were referred to us by schools, township offices, and senior and disability housing providers. Each family received a gift card to Jewel-Osco the week before Thanksgiving, ranging from $40 to $85, depending on family size. In addition, every family was matched with a community sponsor who purchased gifts from their holiday wish list.
In 2025, donors contributed more than $66,000 that paid for the grocery gift cards and other program expenses. We also received grants from Oak Park and River Forest townships, totaling $11,500. Sponsors shopped for, wrapped, and dropped off holiday gifts valued at approximately $100,000.
I am so grateful to our longtime volunteers who assisted both in the office and during gift drop-off week. Thank you as well to the youth volunteers from Oak Park and River Forest High School Civics and the Oak Park Township Community Justice Program, who spent hours helping in the cold. And to the volunteers who delivered thousands of gifts to hundreds of families on Saturday, Dec. 13, we couldn’t do this without you.
A special thank-you to two congregations who are essential to our operations. First United Church of Oak Park donates office space year-round and United Lutheran Church hosts gift drop-off week each December by sharing their sanctuary and other spaces throughout their building.
Holiday Food and Gift Basket has been spreading joy in Oak Park and River Forest since the 1970s. Our small program has a big impact because of the support of community members like you. To learn how you can donate, sponsor, or volunteer, please visit our website at https://www.communityofcongregations.org/holiday-food-gift-basket.
Thank you for helping our neighbors in need.
Kelly Pollock
Director, Holiday Food and Gift Basket
