Hundreds Benefit From La Grange Secret Santa Program

Hinsdale IL

27 November, 2020

7:02 PM

Description

Press release from Rotary International: November 27, 2020 The Secret Santa Program of La Grange gives to between 800-900 children each year, ages 0-17, and is organized through a partnership among Rotary Club of La Grange, Park District of La Grange and Pillars Community Health. Families who bring their children to Pillars Community Health, a local health and social services non-profit, for preventative medical (including immunizations) and dental services are eligible to receive holiday gifts for their children. The children are from the following towns: Bridgeview, Broadview, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Hickory Hills, Hinsdale, Hodgkins, Justice, Indian Head Park, La Grange, La Grange Highlands, La Grange Park, Lyons, McCook, Summit, Westchester, Western Springs and Willow Springs. Starting in August, children are identified by employees of Pillars Community Health and are sent a letter that asks for the child's wish list, including size specifics. In October, Rotary Club of La Grange collects the wish lists and compiles the information. Rotary Club of La Grange also communicates with many local organizations who have been a part of the program annually, including; Prairie Trail Federation (Indian Guides/Indian Princesses), local churches and the Lyons Township High School Student Council. These groups raise funds and purchase items for the children they have been assigned. The gift collecting and sorting operation happens within the walls of the Park District of La Grange, using volunteer man-power. There is a space in the facility that is dedicated to the operation. The volunteer "elves" dedicate many hours of their time to sorting and fulfilling gift bags for these area children. Between mid-November and the end of December, the wish lists are fulfilled. Every child receives an outfit, pajamas, mittens, hat, 1-2 books, school supplies, and a couple of items from their wish list. This year, since so many community members are struggling due to COVID-19, each family will also receive a gift card for a local grocery store. The total value, per child, amounts to about $150 per child. Their names are kept anonymous. More information about the needs of the program can be found on the Rotary Club of La Grange website: lagrangerotary.com. This press release was produced by Rotary International. The views expressed here are the author's own.