n LEAP wreath sales
Through Nov. 20
Hinsdale Central’s LEAP for Africa is raising money to support the mission of the LEAP Science and Maths Schools in South Africa to provide education and opportunities to underresourced students. Visit the website above for pricing and to order. Items can be picked up from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Hinsdale Central High School, 5500 S. Grant St.
n Operation Christmas Child
Through Nov. 21
Hope Church
5707 Wolf Road, LaGrange Highlands
http://www.samaritanspurse.org
Fill a shoe box with toys, hygiene items and school supples to help The Samaritan’s Purse deliver its 200 millionth shoe box this year. Find directions on the “How to Pack a Shoebox” link on the website listed above and then drop off donations at the church.
n Secret Santa
Through Nov. 23
The Rotary Club of La Grange and Pillars Community Health are once again asking for families to sponsor children in their annual Secret Santa program. Email the address listed above to receive the name of a child and wish list; items ideally would be dropped off Nov. 21-23 at the La Grange Park District, 536 East Ave.
n Toys for Tots
Nov. 26-27
Herb Melin’s garage
5734 Monroe St., Hinsdale
Drop off unwrapped toys for kids ages 1-14, which will be donated to a local Marine Reserve’s Toys for Tots program. Please no stuffed animals or realistic toy weapons. Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
n Blanket Drive
Through Nov. 27
Hinsdale Covenant Church
412 S. Garfield Ave.
(630) 323-2318
The church is holding its annual drive, collecting new or used blankets of any type — lap throws, baby blankets, spreads, sheets and towels. Donations may be left inside the church’s main entrance or placed by the front door on the benches. Pickups also can be scheduled. The items will be passed on to needy families in the inner city on Christmas Eve.
n BEDS Plus Adopt a Family
Nov. 28-Dec. 15
BEDS Plus office
9601 E. Ogden Ave., La Grange
(708) 354-0858
Those looking to make a difference this holiday season for someone in need can choose from many BEDS Plus programs. The Adopt-A-Family Gift Giving Program matches a donor with clients who cannot afford to celebrate the holidays. The Holiday Gift Sets program asks donor to provide five or more gift bags filled with identical items for our adult clients. The third program is a set of client families identified to receive gifts through the Blackberry Market La Grange Giving Tree Program. Head to Blackberry Market today to learn more. Donors also can give through the Amazon.com wish list.
n Photos with Santa Paws
Nov. 30 and Dec. 3
Pet Rescue and Resource Center
21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale
http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org/events/santa-paws
(630) 323-5630
Hinsdale Humane Society will take family photos with Santa and friendly pet(s), complete with holiday vendors, reindeer food for the kids and more. Pictures will be available for download after the event. Register and choose a time slot on the website listed above. Times: 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3. Registration: $25 per family.
n Gavin Coyle: A Celtic Christmas
Dec. 2
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Revel in the holiday spirit with award-winning recording artist Gavin Coyle as he brings his annual “A Celtic Christmas” back to the MAC. Sing along with Gavin and his band, pianist Paul Burgess, harpist Karen Fernandez and flautist Joanne Diebold, as they perform traditional holiday favorites from America and Ireland. Ticket proceeds benefit People’s Resource Center, a local nonprofit serving DuPage County since 1975. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $40.
n Tree of Remembrance
Through Jan. 1
Lincoln and First streets, Hinsdale
http://www.adventhealth.com/hospice-care/adventhealth-st-thomas-hospice
Advent Health St. Thomas Hospice’s Tree of Remembrance will stand outside of BMO Harris Bank from Thanksgiving through the new year. Community members are able to make a donation and have a loved one’s name listed on the boards beside the tree. Visit the website listed above for details.
n Hinsdale Humane Society Gift Shop
http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Find the perfect gift for an animal-lover at the Hinsdale Humane Society Pet Rescue and Resource Center online gift shop and help raise money to care for homeless animals. T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags and stickers are available for the humans on the gift list. Purchases help the organization care for the animals at the shelter.
