StreetWise's Annual Christmas Party and Giveaway

Photos by Dave Hamilton & Julie Youngquist

On Dec. 18, 2019, StreetWise celebrated the holiday season with our annual Christmas party and coat giveaway!

The event drew vendors, job-seekers, and community members who gathered for a meal, lovingly prepared by Board Member Bruce Crane and StreetWise CEO Julie Youngquist.

After the festive eats, StreetWise opened the doors to our shop, which features coats from drives all over the city including 46th Ward Ald. Cappleman's office, One Warm Coat, Slalom, CIL Consultants, Allscripts, Trustwave, The British School of Chicago, The Marketing Store, Lisa Skalon, Jan Anne Dubin, Pam Marvel, The Daily Planet, Ltd., Care for Friends, the Galante Family, the Davis Family, and Madam Hawa African Hair Braiding. In addition, there was a selection of winter gear, homegoods, and gifts for vendors to take and share.

In a special surprise, Team USA Soccer donated thousands of brand new Team USA branded Nike apparel, making sure that everyone will be warm (and stylish) this winter!

Vendor and Field Supervisor A. Allen going incognito as Santa.

North Side Vendors Gwendolyn Freeman, Debbie Booker, and JT meet for a delicious holiday meal.

Employment Specialist Allie Mahoney and volunteer Sara Gentis distribute Nike Team USA apparel that was generously donated by Team USA Soccer.

Board Member Bruce Crane serves the chili he made himself!

Vendor Adrienne models her new coat.

DJ Lady Dave kept the tunes spinning and the atmosphere lit.

Vendors take a look around the StreetWise shop, to pick up coats, winter gear, and gifts.

Volunteer Steve Schwartz-Fenwick, Board Member Bruce Crane (hidden) Sales Manager Ron Madere, and Vendor Scott Elders serve vendor Debbie Booker.

The StreetWise Café decorated for the season.

Vendor and field supervisor John Hagan models his brand new coat!