Joyful Giving Catalog 2026

Animal Care League

Animal Care League offers a safe haven for pets in need. Rooted in the community since 1973, Animal Care League takes a proactive approach to animal care and adoption as well as preventative measures to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our communities.  With over 1,300 pets coming to our doors each year, Animal Care League counts on supporters to ensure that we can provide what is needed from routine vaccinations to life saving surgery.

Make a difference in the life of a homeless animal by visiting animalcareleague.org where you can sign up to volunteer, make a donation, view our adoptable pets, and learn about upcoming events.

Austin Coming Together

Austin Coming Together’s mission is to coordinate community action that builds collective power, transforms lives, and measurably improves the quality of life in Austin. Since 2010, we’ve been connecting residents to services, attracting investments for the community, and building capacity for policy change. Recent efforts include co-developing the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation on the corner of Central and Madison, and the recent acquisition of the Frank Lloyd Wright Walser house to restore this historic community asset.

Get involved: austincomingtogether.org/Donations

Beyond Hunger

For 47 years Beyond Hunger has been harnessing the power of communities to create a hunger free future. Our food pantry, home delivery program, nutrition education classes, and benefits services program provides hunger relief that goes beyond basic nourishment. Our goal is to provide our clients with the immediate and long-term tools they need, ensuring that no one is left behind in the battle against food insecurity. This work is not possible without our community. Whether you volunteer, advocate for those in need, or donate, you are essential in moving our mission forward. With your support, we believe hunger is solvable.

Learn more about how you can get involved in the fight to end hunger by visiting http://www.gobeyondhunger.org

BUILD

 Since 1969, we have wrapped young people in the opportunities and care they deserve; we help them build hope, resilience, and a path to a promising future. We have embedded mentors in schools and across neighborhoods to connect with youth who need support. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school, college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering, and gardening.

Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity.

Join us in BUILDing a better future: www.buildchicago.org

CAYR Connections

At CAYR Connections, we envision a world where all brains belong. CAYR stands for “Come As You Are,” reflecting our commitment to creating spaces where neurodivergent people feel valued, supported, and connected. From our neuro-affirming microschool, afterschool, and summer programs for children & teens to our vibrant social club for neurodivergent adults, we build opportunities for learning, friendship, and community across the lifespan. Your generosity helps us provide financial assistance to families, expand access to affirming programs, and create more spaces where everyone can come as they are.

Help us build a more inclusive world at www.cayrconnections.org.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood

Early care and education is where success starts. It makes everything else possible, and it allows children to reach their full potential from the first day of kindergarten all the way through to adulthood. We are a community-driven organization that cultivates the development of the whole child, birth to age five, by engaging families, local organizations, early childhood educators, caregivers, and health providers to create equitable, nurturing, and interconnected systems of support. Help ensure that we continue to be a place where families thrive!

Investing in early childhood is an investment in the future. Your donation will make a powerful impact! Learn more at collab4kids.org

The Community Fridge Project

The Community Fridge Project is a grassroots, volunteer-led program housed under the Community of Congregations, working to reduce food insecurity in our neighborhood. We maintain six public, outdoor community fridges and pantries that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These fridges are stocked by volunteers, local businesses, and community members who want to make sure no one goes hungry. Anyone may take food—no ID, no cost, no questions. Donations help us maintain the fridges, purchase discounted groceries, and keep fresh, healthy food available for all.

Together, we’re building a community where neighbors support neighbors and nutritious food is accessible to everyone. Learn more at communityfridgeproject.org.

Equal Hope

Equal Hope is dedicated to saving lives by eliminating health inequities and improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Through our Equal Access, Equal Care, and Equal Voice framework, we connect uninsured and underinsured individuals with lifesaving breast and reproductive cancer screenings, patient navigation, transportation assistance, and primary care. Since 2008, Equal Hope has helped thousands overcome barriers to quality healthcare through community outreach, education, research, and advocacy. Your support helps ensure that everyone, regardless of income or circumstances, has access to the care they deserve. Together, we can create healthier communities and advance health equity for all.

Call to Action: Help save lives. Learn more at www.equalhope.org.

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory

Built in 1929, the Oak Park Conservatory is a Historic Property of the Park District of Oak Park. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Conservatory offers three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants and two outdoor gardens, including a play area for toddlers. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers a wide range of programs focused on enriching the visitor experience at the Conservatory. From memberships to volunteering to educational and recreational opportunities, tours, and classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy year-round.

To learn more or to join, visit fopcon.org.

Hephzibah Children’s Association

Founded in 1897, Hephzibah Children’s Association is Oak Park’s oldest social service agency. We’ve been helping children thrive and families flourish through innovative, community-based programs and services for over 128 years. We are the only residential treatment program for severely abused, neglected, and traumatized children in need of behavioral intervention from ages 3-11 in Illinois. In addition, Hephzibah offers foster care services, comprehensive services for children and families in crisis, positive parenting services, and an abuse & neglect prevention program. Hephzibah also provides affordable after-school care and summer camp for Oak Park families of all income levels.

To make a donation, visit hephzibahhome.org/donate

Historical Society of Forest Park

Founded on July 4, 1975, the Historical Society of Forest Park preserves and shares the stories that make our community unique. Through exhibits, walking tours, talks, special events, and historical displays, we bring local history to life and connect residents with the people, places, and events that shaped Forest Park. From the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument at Forest Home Cemetery to the stories of everyday residents, we uncover the past and make it accessible to everyone. As a volunteer-driven nonprofit, we welcome community members to explore local history, support our work, and help preserve Forest Park’s stories for future generations.

Discover Forest Park’s history at forestparkhistory.org!

Holiday Food and Gift Basket

Holiday Food and Gift Basket, a program of the Community of Congregations, has been spreading joy 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 low-income individuals and families. Our small program has a big impact because of the support of community members like you. We need donors to fund gift cards, sponsors to fulfill wish lists, and volunteers to deliver gifts. Thank you for helping our neighbors in need.

Please visit our website for information on how you can donate, sponsor, or volunteer. communityofcongregations.org/holiday-food-gift-basket

Housing Forward

Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness.

Ending homelessness means addressing it at all levels, from the possibility of a housing crisis to its permanent resolution. We prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to housing crises when they do occur, and stabilize people with supportive services and housing. Housing Forward is a recognized leader in west suburban Cook County, assisting over 2,500 individuals and families each year with our comprehensive wraparound support from the onset of a housing crisis to its resolution.

To learn more or get involved, visit housingforward.org, email or call 708-338-1724

L’Arche Chicago

 Life is better together…

 Quality care for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities extends beyond supporting someone with their basic living and medical needs. It’s about celebrating the unique value of each person and creating places of dignity and belonging! L’Arche Chicago is committed to the highest quality of care for our core members (adults with disabilities), and our intentional community makes it possible for us to experience life to the fullest, together. Mutual relationships transform lives at all four of our homes, located in Forest Park, Oak Park, and the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. We believe lives are transformed when people with different abilities and experiences share their gifts, building authentic relationships within their homes and the wider community.

You make our community stronger – Join us by making a gift today! www.larchechicago.org | 708-660-1600 | hello@larchechicago.org

Learning Edge

For over 30 years, Learning Edge has been a part of the Oak Park and Austin communities. Our mission is to strive for more equity in education by providing Chicago-area students who live in underserved communities free one-to-one tutoring and academic enrichment opportunities enhanced by caring, mentoring relationships. We help students improve their foundational math and reading skills, complete their homework, and foster their love of learning. Your support helps us provide school-year tutoring to over 100 students in grades K through 12 each year.

To donate or volunteer, please visit our website learningedgetutoring.org.

The Neighborhood Bridge

The Neighborhood Bridge connects Austin families to essential resources and support. Our Advocate Program pairs families with trained volunteers who work alongside them to navigate services and address challenges. Our Essentials Pantry provides household, personal care, and baby care products that SNAP benefits do not cover. We are also planning an Adult Education Program pilot for fall 2027 to expand opportunities for parents and caregivers. Your generosity supports these efforts, helping families meet immediate needs and build a stronger future. Join us in connecting our neighbors to the resources they need to thrive.

Donate today to support our work: www.theneighborhoodbridge.org

New Moms

Young moms hold extraordinary potential—and we’re here to help it shine. For more than 40 years, New Moms has walked alongside mothers, age 24 and under, equipping them with the confidence and tools to create lasting success. We know the weight poverty and homelessness place on families, yet we firmly believe in brighter possibilities. Through stable housing, paid job training, and family-centered programs, we break down barriers and nurture every mom’s unique strength. By combining proven strategies, research, and real-life wisdom, we empower young families to dream bigger, achieve their goals, and build strong foundations for generations to come.

Join us to make dreams a reality! Go to newmoms.org/donate.

NEWSWELL Chicago

NEWSWELL Chicago is the nonprofit, reader-supported news organization behind four trusted local publications: Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark. Rooted in the communities we serve and strengthened by the resources of the NEWSWELL network, we deliver independent, fact-based reporting about the people, places and issues that matter most to our readers. We hold public officials and institutions accountable, celebrate our communities and keep our neighbors connected and informed. Your gift to NEWSWELL Chicago supports local journalists and helps ensure our communities continue to benefit from strong, independent local news.

Donate to your local newsroom at wednesday-journal.fundjournalism.org/newswellchicago

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

 The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association strengthens our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building through space grants to local nonprofits, who account for 80% of its usage.  We provide community outreach, scholarships, and public programming in five areas: music, art, literature, science, and social sciences. The Nineteenth Century is the owner of 178 Forest Avenue, commonly referred to as the Nineteenth Century Club. Our charitable and cultural activities are supported by our members, volunteers, donors, and by the events held at the building. Programs are open to all and we welcome all ages to join. Our Monday programs are now being live-streamed as well as available a week later on our website for all to enjoy.

 If you would like information about volunteering, joining or donating, please call us at 708-386-2729 email to info@nineteenthcentury.org. You can also make donations at nineteenthcentury.org.

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation invests in our future. We bring together nonprofits, businesses, civic officials, and caring residents to uncover and tackle issues of vital importance, and to attract resources to address unmet needs. Today we share our community’s vision to increase high quality childcare and education, support healthcare and mental health services, grow financial security, and enhance safety, belonging and stability for all who live and work in our region.

Join the Foundation and help fulfill our vision of a racially just society in which all members of our community thrive and prosper. Donate today at oprfcf.org.

Oak Park River Forest Museum

Oak Park River Forest Museum is the caretaker of local history and community storyteller. It offers many programs and exhibits for visitors and can be rented for private events. The museum, located in a renovated 1898 firehouse at Lake and Lombard next to Stevenson Park, is operated by The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest.  In 2026, we have added a new elevator for universal accessibility, as well as additional restrooms, archival storage, and a multipurpose room with new video and sound system.  A gift of any amount funds our 2027 activities, research center, knowledgeable staff, and community outreach.

Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or call 708-848-6755.

Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Oak Park Regional Housing Center will celebrate 55 years in 2027!  Our mission, to promote and sustain investment without displacement through housing stability and access, education and advocacy, provides residents with the power to create vibrant communities.  OPRHC is the only HUD approved non- profit housing agency providing direct service to Oak Park and the surrounding communities. 

To continue to invigorate the Greater Westside, type bit.ly/4ya8qry, and support us with a tax-deductible year end donation so that we may reach our goal to raise $55,000 by December 31, 2026!  Help us help others.

OPRF Infant Welfare Society

Since 1916, OPRF Infant Welfare Society has pursued its mission to advance the health and well-being of all children. Each year, through the IWS Children’s Clinic and other programs, nearly 3,000 infants, children, and young adults from birth to age 21 across Chicagoland receive medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. OPRF IWS is powered by generous donors, dedicated staff, committed members, and caring volunteers. Join us in advancing children’s health.

Please consider donating at oprfiws.org/donate.

Out With Purpose

Out With Purpose, formerly the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association +, was founded in 1989 with the mission of building community between the LGBTQ+ community and our allies Since 2014, our scholarship program has awarded more than $300,000 to students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to advancing LGBTQ+inclusion. These scholarships remind students that people across this community stand with them, believe in them, and celebrate what they are building. This year alone, we are supporting thirteen new and returning scholars through $5000 scholarships. We invite you to join us in moving Forward With Purpose.

outwithpurpose.org
outwithpurpose.org/support-us
outwithpurpose.org/scholarships

PING (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation)

PING is a community nonprofit organization providing band and orchestra instruments, mentoring, and access to lessons, concert, music camps, and trips to students who benefit from support that are in grades 4 through 12 in Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois, public schools. In a community with high-quality school music programs, PING students can be on par with peers regardless of their financial situations and feel like they belong. PING programming also brings diversity to instrumental music classrooms and beyond, providing access to some traditionally underrepresented populations.

 Support is needed now more than ever, contribute/volunteer/instrument donations: pingoprf.org/get-involved.

River Forest Community Center

For more than 50 years, River Forest Community Center has been a place where children learn and grow; families find support, and friendships take root. Many children who once attended our programs have returned as parents, trusting us to give their own kids the same care, opportunities, and sense of belonging. That legacy is worth cherishing and protecting.

Help us keep it going! Every gift preserves a place where children can play, discover their potential, and feel they belong, and where adults of all ages share the joy of sport.

Donate today at  https://givebutter.com/season-of-giving-2026 or call 708-771-6159.

Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest

The Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest is a dedicated branch of Rotary International, a global network of community members united in the mission to provide service to others. Locally and internationally, the club champions humanitarian projects that promote peace, fight disease, support education, and grow local economies. Their work ranges from funding college scholarships to providing polio vaccines to 2.5 billion children in 122 countries over 35 years. These efforts rely on community support.

To learn more about Rotary and help create lasting change in our community and beyond, visit: oprfrotary.org/.

Saint Angela School

St. Angela School has served the families of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood for more than five generations.  We are committed to enriching the lives and futures of our children.  We have a storied history and an extended family of generous alumni whose philanthropy provides scholarship funds and whose engagement keeps our campus beautiful.  We are richly blessed and deeply grateful for the partnerships that have sustained us through the years.  Now, early in our second century, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community.  We ask those partners to recommit to our cause as well.  Thank you!

Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org or call us at (773) 626-2655.

Sarah’s Inn

Sarah’s Inn takes a holistic approach to addressing domestic violence, offering free, bilingual (English/Spanish) services for survivors and their children, including confidential advocacy and counseling. We also provide a Partner Abuse Intervention Program for perpetrators of domestic violence, Prevention education for youth to build healthy relationships, and Training and Education program for professionals and organizations to create a network of skilled ambassadors. Together, these programs improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and help break the cycle for future generations.

Show your support for our ongoing work at sarahsinn.org/donate.

Share Food Share Love Food Pantry

Meal planning has a special meaning this time of year. Putting food on the table is an act of sharing and love. But due to federal cuts in funding to the nation’s food banks, our food pantry is among the many facing a shortage in holiday food supplies.

Our food pantry is a place where visitors can choose the food they need, while engaging socially with pantry volunteers, and where conversations often turn to recipe sharing and a shared love of food. As a visiting neighbor said recently, “I think cooking is another expression of love. It just brings us together.”

Your financial support will help make that happen. Please donate now.  sharefoodsharelove.org.

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest 

 The award-winning Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest and its esteemed conductor Jay Friedman continue to bring extraordinary and accessible concerts to our community. Ticket sales provide less than half the funds needed for the Symphony’s performances. Your gift keeps the orchestra going strong and allows us to maintain affordable ticket prices, including free admission for all students through college. Please help us continue and strengthen our tradition of bringing beautiful and inspiring music to Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and neighboring communities.

Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at SymphonyOPRF.org, or: P.O. Box 3564, Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.

Thrive Counseling Center

Thrive Counseling Center has provided mental health services to Oak Park and surrounding communities for over 120 years. We build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being, regardless of their ability to pay. We envision a world where mental health is valued, proactively nurtured, and in reach of everyone.

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Psychiatry and medication management
• 24/7 Crisis intervention
• Case management
• Suicide awareness and prevention training
• Thrive Talks community education programs

Open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday from 9am-2pm. To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc.org or call 708-383-7500

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago

For more than 75 years, UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago has been opening doors, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live lives filled with purpose, independence, and belonging. Together with families, supporters, and community partners, we are creating a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The need has never been greater, and neither has the opportunity to make a difference. Join us today and help create a Life Without Limits for thousands of children and adults across our community. Visit ucpseguin.org

Uniting Voices Chicago – Austin Neighborhood Choir

For 70 years, Uniting Voices Chicago has inspired and changed lives through music. “Jaymie will be a part of this choir for life.” – Jaymie’s Mom. When our Austin Neighborhood Choir started last fall, Jaymie was one of only two singers. She found her love of choir at that first rehearsal and became the only Austin singer to tour with Uniting Voices. With Jaymie setting an example in youth leadership, the Austin Neighborhood Choir has now grown to seven singers. Make a gift today to ensure our programs continue serving singers like Jaymie and the Austin community.

To donate or register your singer visit unitingvoiceschicago.org.

Way Back Inn

Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for substance use and gambling disorders.  Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment. This holiday season, we ask that you gift responsibly with the youth in your family. Children who have early exposure to gambling experiences, including lottery tickets, are more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life.

For more information or to make a donation to our program, go to: waybackinn.org or call us at 708-345-8422.

Wally’s Hearth

Everyone deserves a place to call home. Even at the end of life.

We’re building a different kind of home in the Oak Park community—a warm, welcoming place where people receiving hospice care can spend their final days surrounded by comfort, dignity, and human connection.

Wally’s Hearth will provide the everyday care, companionship, and sense of belonging that make a house feel like home, while licensed hospice providers continue to provide medical care.

But we’re building more than a home. We’re preparing volunteers, supporting caregivers, and helping our community have conversations about dying, grief, and caring for one another.

Donate at www.wallyshearth.org

Wonder Works Children’s Museum in Oak Park

Wonder Works Children’s Museum has been a community gem on North Avenue since 2003. Our small but mighty museum plays a very important role in nurturing young minds, fostering a love of learning, and bolstering social and emotional skills. In 2026, we continued to grow museum access for ALL children through discounted admission for families with financial needs, sensory friendly play sessions, and social service agency partnerships. As a 501c3 non-profit organization, individual donations to Wonder Works Children’s Museum are crucial to bringing our mission and programs to life.

Visit Wonder-Works.org/give to donate and support the museum.

West Suburban Special Recreation Association

Celebrating 50 years of enriching lives through special recreation! West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) provides year-round recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities in Oak Park, River Forest and 11 surrounding communities.

Through participation in WSSRA programs, individuals build skills, develop friendships, increase self-confidence, explore new experiences, and most importantly—have fun!

Your donation helps make these programs accessible by providing financial assistance, scholarships, adaptive equipment and other resources that enrich the WSSRA experience.

To make a donation or learn more, please visit wssra.net today.