Christmas is upon us and it is getting very, very cold outside. The McCuerda's have decided that in lieu of gifts to each other (we really have enough "stuff" and aren't in need of anything)we are going to make some donations to homeless shelters, and maybe we can inspire others to do the same thing. The growing gap between the haves and the have-nots is just so sad, and shameful. While we are not in a financial situation to call ourselves haves, we do have a little to give, and certainly have sweaters & hats to donate. I like the idea of buying a few Walgreen's gift cards in small amounts to allow people the autonomy to get what they want. I know if I were homeless, and all I wanted was some cheap wine, I would not want people to judge that, or feel that they somehow had the right to dictate what I could have. So here is a list if items and events in Chicago offering ways to help...I know we all have needy people in our own back yards, but it is a good list to think about what people need from the Night Ministry (I also like the idea of movie passes, allowing people to warm up a bit, maybe find a safe place to take a nap, use the bathroom):
WHAT THE NIGHT MINISTRY NEEDS
For our Holiday Celebrations:
For all of our programs, we need gift certificates in specific denominations at certain places:
* $5 McDonald's or similar
* $10 Walgreens
* $10 Dollar store of any name
* $25 Target
For our Health Outreach Bus Celebration, we need 1,000 full-sized winter blankets, 1,000 unisex holiday stockings, 2,500 winter hats and gloves for adults, teens, and children. Large cans of hot chocolate mix, and homemade or Oreo cookies packed in plastic sandwich bags (3 to a bag) are also needed. Download a brochure for details.
For all of our Youth Services, we need:
- six waterproof, sturdy, durable CD/Tape player boom boxes
- CTA cards, which we give to youth needing to get to school or other appointments.
- Movie passes with food coupons
For our three Open Door Youth Shelter programs (Interim, Transitional, and Response-Ability Pregnant & Parenting) at two locations (West Town and Lakeview):
- twin bed sheet sets and towel sets.
- non-dated tickets to Chicago cultural institutions such as: Shedd Acquarium, Museum of Science & Industry, Field Museum, Art Institute, etc.
Our Interim Housing program needs one 27”+ television set.
For our teen moms at our Response-Ability Pregnant and Parenting Program we’re seeking infant snowsuits, and a variety of duffle bags for young moms when they leave the program.
If you’re interested in helping out with our Holiday Celebration, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Gail Bernoff via email or call 773-784-9000 x6015.
Throughout the year, gathering donations is a wonderful service project for a family, group of friends or students, congregational outreach/youth groups, corporate groups, or individuals of all ages.
To help make shopping for in-kind donations easier, The Night Ministry has set up gift registries at Target and Babies R Us.
Download instructions for using our gift registries.
Help us by holding a drive to collect:
- new hygiene kits items, especially trial sized deoderant Download our hygiene kit recipe.
- new white athletic socks
- cookies
- new men's and women's underwear in a variety of sizes
Download "Hold A Drive" wish list & information.
We regret that we cannot arrange pickups or accept donations of used items.
We cannot accept clothing or household items such as kitchen equipment or furniture.
NOTE: Once a week, youth we serve have an opportunity to visit Howard Brown's resale shop, the Brown Elephant, with clothing vouchers from us. If you are looking for a place to donate used items (clothing & household), please consider bringing your items to the Brown Elephant (Halsted & Waveland location). This is the important part: When you drop off your items and fill out the form, please say that you were referred by The Night Ministry.
For in-kind items, please contact Francine Ferrara before bringing anything by to make sure that the items are still needed. For more information or if you have any of these items at 773-784-9000 x6025 or via email.
It's Big Time
Oliver is 6 months old today. Here he is playing in his first snow on his first Thanksgiving during his first trip to Minnesota. What a ham.He totally loved the snow, it was such a riot having him out there and watching him take it all in, seeing the snowflakes land on his face. So sweet.
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