Several Evanston organizations need donations and volunteers this holiday season, with collection windows already open and deadlines approaching fast.
Here is what residents can do and where to start.
611 Collective: holiday meal kits by Nov. 17
The 611 Collective's second annual Holiday Meal Drive is collecting complete holiday meal kits through Nov. 17. Donors shop from a provided ingredient list and drop off a full kit in one sturdy box or bag during 611's posted hours.
Those who prefer not to shop can donate a $50 grocery gift card to the 611 mailbox or give online through the organization's Holiday Meal fund. The drive operates in partnership with Evanston Community Fridges. The collective's first meal drive, before it was formally organized, provided more than 70 holiday meals, according to the group's website.
Connections for the Homeless: Gift of Giving
Connections for the Homeless runs its annual Gift of Giving drive, which anonymously matches donors with participants' holiday wish lists. Gift drop-off is Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lake Street Church.
The organization also lists November and December volunteer shifts for holiday food basket assembly, cold weather kit packing and care packages for Hilda's Place. Connections serves more than 5,000 participants each year, according to its website.
Star Tree: gifts for 150 Evanston children
For 30 years, First United Methodist Church has partnered with Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) on the Star Tree program. This year the program aims to provide gifts for 150 children.
Residents can sign up online or pick a star from the tree in the church foyer starting Nov. 18. The suggested gift amount is $50 per child. Wrapped gifts should be dropped off at the church on any Sunday or during office hours. The final deadline is Sunday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. Questions can be directed to Linda MacCracken at [email protected].
Bundled Blessings Diaper Bank: year-round need
A ministry of First United Methodist Church of Evanston, the Bundled Blessings Diaper Bank distributes about 47,000 diapers each month to more than 900 children through 21 local agency partners. The bank has distributed nearly 2.5 million diapers since 2013, according to its website.
Residents can donate diapers at eight public drop-off barrels around the area year-round.
Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois: volunteer in the kitchen
Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois offers volunteer opportunities in kitchen preparation, meal delivery, packing and operations support, according to its volunteer page.
At its Evanston facility, 1723 Simpson St., route packers fill insulated bags with meals and beverages for delivery. Listed shifts run Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Delivery volunteers use their own vehicles and commit to a weekly route, choosing their delivery area and day. Other roles include food packaging, phone support, cleaning and building maintenance.
Prospective volunteers can apply through the website or call 847-332-2678 to ask about current openings and role requirements.
YWCA Evanston/North Shore: blankets, yoga mats and Shop For Good
YWCA Evanston/North Shore is collecting new, unused throw blankets and yoga mats for wellness programs serving shelter residents, according to the organization's October Instagram post. Donations can be dropped off at the YWCA's front desk.
The YWCA's Shop For Good resale boutique at 2122 Central St. also accepts volunteers to help with displays, sorting and sales. Residents can contact Jamie Kendrick at [email protected] for more information.
Evanston Animal Shelter: supplies and funds
The Evanston Animal Shelter accepts supply donations year-round and lists its current needs on its website. The shelter also accepts financial contributions through its donation page.
The 611 Collective's meal kit deadline of Nov. 17 is the most urgent. Residents can sign up online for Star Tree; stars will be available from the church foyer tree beginning Nov. 18. Gifts are due Sunday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m.
