WJFPR Holiday Spectacular 120722

For Holida shopping, go local

Iguess it's official - the holidays are here, and the shopping season is well under way! How lucky are we to live in Villages brimming with small indie businesses, where you know the owner, where they remember your re gular order or know your whole family; where your kids go to school together. Or better yet, where they hired your kids for their first job (we all remember our first job!). So, as you think about your gift-giving list this year, just remember that so many of the people who own businesses in this community, also live here, are raising families here and are striving to make a better life here. In supporting a local business, you are supporting your neighbors, your friends, your Village, your community. So keep your spending dollars local - it helps everyone!

Holiday events

Dec ember 7-31

Breakfast With Santa

Saturday, Dec. 10, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Trinity High School

Santa himself will share a continental breakfast with the kids and the parents. There will also be crafts for the kids, as well as the chance to be photographed with Mr. Claus. $7 children, $14 adults, 7574 Division St., River Forest

Cookies & Cocoa

With Santa

Saturday Dec. 10, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club Cookies, cocoa and Claus - what more do you need? A camera so you can take pictures! You can also shop for arts and crafts. $5 per person, $20 per family. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Jazz For The Holidays with Tony Morrison

Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Pleasant Home Foundation

Seasonal sounds from one of the Chicago area's most talented musicians. Light snacks and two drink tickets will be provided. $30 - $39, 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

VIRTUAL: An Olde-Fashioned New England Christmas

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

Ac tor Joshua Kane will read classic holiday tales from the pens of O'Henr y, Dickens, Frost and others.

Suggested donation: $10. Register via the Dominican niversity website.

Joy To The World: A Christmas Musical Journey with Damien Sneed

Sunday, Dec. 11, 4 p.m., Dominican University

Singer-keyboardist Sneed will celebrate the season with unique takes on a wide assortment of holiday standards, plus a few originals. Tickets star ting at $28, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.

Sing We Joyous 2022

Saturday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec, 11, 4:30 p.m., First United Church of Oak Park

For the 17th year, the acapella Oriana Singers, City Voices, the Pro Music Youth Chorus and the Sing We Joyous Orchestra present a stirring stunning program of holiday music. $30 (free for 18 and under), 848 Lake St., Oak Park.

The Free Readers Ensemble Presents: A Musical Holiday Show

Sunday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m.,

Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

The Free Readers Ensemble will be sharing memories of the holiday songs they sang and the stories that inspired them. Feel free to reminisce and sing along. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Holiday Spectacular presented by

Saturday, Dec. 17, 11a.m.-4 p.m., Stern Glass Works and Great Sip Cafe

Presented by Stern Glass Works and Great Sip Cafe. Shop from 10 local artisans with Handmade Goods: Spanning glass arts, wood, paper arts, photography, jewelr y, culinary arts, soaps and comics. Ra e throughout the event with one piece from each artisan and donations from local businesses. Ra e tickets: 2 for $5, 5 for $10, 15 for $20. 100% of the pro ts from the ra e will be donated to Beyond Hunger. Stern Glass Works: 817 S. Oak Park Ave., Great Sip Cafe: 818 S. Oak Park Ave.

VIRTUAL: Third Annual Christmas Cèilidh

Thursday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. - 8:35 p.m., Pilgrim Congregational Church A cèilidh (chay-lid), originated in Ireland and Scotland, is a social gathering built around stories and music and games—a per fect setting for a virtual holiday get-together hosted by Gatherers on both sides of the Atlantic. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85059416733

Meeting ID: 850 5941 6733

Or dial 1-312-626-6799 using the same meeting ID.

Community Kwanzaa Celebration

Thursday, Dec. 29, 5 - 8 p.m., Oak Park Public Library This annual feast of African-American culture will be celebrated with this special event. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Holiday Spectacular presented by

Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio Museum Shop

Holiday Spectacular presented by

Holiday

Holiday Joy! Music & Dance Extravaganza

Friday, Dec. 16, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., Unity Temple

The Apollo Chorus of Chicago will be joined by the Dance Avondale Collective and the Academy of the Music Institute of Chicago for interpretations of enduring holiday works. $20-$30, 875 Lake St., Oak Park.

Open

House at Cheney Mansion

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 3:00-8 p.m., Cheney Mansion

Come and view the beautiful holiday decorations at Cheney Mansion. A suggested $2 donation or nonperishable food item is requested for entry. This is a drop-in program. 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park.

Paper Snow akes

Wednesday Dec. 7, 3 p.m., Oak Park Public Library To many people, the holidays aren't the holidays without a little snow. This event helps you invoke that spirit by learning to make fun paper snow akes. Feel free to take your creations home or help cover the library windows with snow. Best for grades 2+. The presenters prefer you wear masks in this event. Masks will be available. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Elf The Musical, Jr.

Thursday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Madison Street Theater

The holiday lm Elf will be recreated live with an allages cast from 8-11 (plus selected adults). $8 children, $14 adults, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park.

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Home For The Holidays

Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., downtown Oak Park

The community comes alive in celebration with this all-day esta. From 11 am - 3 am, there will be all-day sleigh rides on Marion St., around Lake St. and Forest Ave. From 12 pm - 3 am, you can try di erent avors of hot cocoa during the Hot Chocolate Walk, with free 4 oz. cups from participating businesses. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa Claus from 1 to 4 pm. Weather permitting, there will be continuous entertainment from Pro Musica Youth Chorus, Heritage Chorale and the Canterbury Carolers. Lake and Marion Streets, Oak Park.

Letters to Santa

Through Dec. 21, Oak Park Conser vator y Drop o your letters to Santa in the Oak Park Conser va tory's Santa Express mailbox located in the Rubenstein Garden. 615 Gar eld St, Oak Park.

Make Your Own

Gingerbread House

VIRTUAL & IN- PERSON: Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest

Sunday, December 11, 4 pm., Concordia University

The works of Schumann and Sibelius will be performed. Piano Concer to, soloist Mio Nakamura. $27 - $30 inperson, $20 online (college students admitted free of charge). Go to SymphonyOPRF.org to order tickets. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m., Pleasant Home

Grab your family and purchase a table at beautiful Pleasant Home to decorate your own Holiday Gingerbread House. You will receive tips, tricks and all the treats you need to make a sweet cottage or a fancy McMansion for the Holidays! Light lunch provided. Once nished pose for a family sel e in the Great Hall of Pleasant Home. Parents or Guardians must accompany children. 15 tables available with up to 6 family members per table. Register at pdop.org/register, 217 Home Avenue, Oak Park.

Gallery/ Art Studio

A Charlie Brown Christmas/How The Grinch Stole Christma s

Friday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.

Two memorable holiday cartoons will be shown tonight on FitzGerald's "little theater screen." Charlie Brown, meet Dr Seuss face to face. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

Home Alone

Friday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.

A ve ry young Macaulay Culkin accidentally gets lef at home by his parents during the Christmas holida Hilarity ensues, especially after burglars ente the pic ture. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

Viewing Part y: It's A Wonderful Life

Monday, Dec. 12 and 19, 7 p.m.,

FitzGerald's

This classic holiday movie is so important that it will be shown on three screens. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

A Muppet Christmas Carol

Thursday, Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m., FitzGerald's The holidays, as seen through the eyes of Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the Muppet gang. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

A Christmas St

Holiday Spectacular presented by

The Redmonds Holiday Show

Friday, Dec. 16, 8 p.m., FitzGerald's This local band wraps their traditional Americana sound in ashy Christmas lights for this special holiday show. $15, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS(R) Holiday Bazaar

Saturday, Dec. 10, 1-5 p.m., The Sheridan at River Forest

Join us for the 8th annual Holiday Bazaar hosted by the Oak Park River Forest Area Association of Realtors. Get some shopping done early this holiday season and enjoy the music and other festivities. Proceeds from the Bazaar directly bene t Beyond Hunger. 800 N. Harlem Ave, River Forest.

Rock & Roll Under The Mistletoe: JP & Jenny & the Flames with Miss Barbara Cli ord and the Shakin' Tailfeathers

Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m., Outta Space

Two local roots-rockabilly acts deck the halls and par ty all night. $10, 6840 32nd St., Berwyn.

Winter Greens Market

Wednesday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Oak Park Conser vatory Looking for the right kind of shrubbery to decorate the halls? The Winter Greens Market will provide all kinds of balsam, r, boxwood, winter berries, magnolia tips, spruce tops and related. 615 Gar eld St., Oak Park.

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Holiday Spectacular

The Monday Enrichment Series Presents: Singers From The Lyric Celebrate The Season

Monday, Dec. 19, 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club Five Lyric Opera artists get together and sing songs of the holidays: David Govertsen (bass-baritione), Corinne Crane (mezzo-soprano); Kimberly Jones (soprano); John Concepcion (tenor) and Noah Lindquist (piano). 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Ron's Very Special Christmas Special

Chicago Choral Ar tists: HOLIDAY CONCERT

Emerging Life, Excelling Light

Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4:00 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church Chicago Choral Artists, under the direction of Michael D. Costello, presents Emerging Life, Excelling Light: beautiful choral music for the holidays. The concert is a blend of traditional choral works, anthems by contemporary American composers and Baroque cantatas with chamber orchestra. Performed in the warmth of candlelight the performance emphasizes themes of light and life. Tickets available in advance or at the door: Adult $45, Senior $40, Student $25., 7300 West Division, River Forest. www.chicagochoralartists.org or call 773-658-9799.

Thursday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m., FitzGerald's Ron Lazzeretti calls himself "Mr. Christmas," and it's evident this man knows how to par ty. He describes this annual presentation as a three -way cross between Prarie Home Companion, Pee Wee's Playhouse and any random Andy Williams Christmas special. Along for the ride will be an array of per formers including Dag Juhlin, Rachel Drew, The Famous Brothers, Cayne Collier, Mike The Dentist, and much, much more. All will be backed by the Downsized Elves, who are the evening's house band. If he feels like it, Santa Claus himself might show up, too. $20, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

Anderson Family Holiday Jamboree

Friday, Dec. 23, 8 p.m., FitzGerald's Billed as "a night of music, family, friends and good cheer," the event will be supporting Share Our Spare, a community resource designed to help families in need. The following items can be donated: diapers (particularly sied 4-pullups), wipes, bottles, diaper cream and other baby hygiene items, and new and gently used winter coats, size 2T - 7/8. For more information please visit https://shareourspare.org. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

The shop where people with/ without disabilities work together to craft handmade pies using locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. Check us out for sweet and savory pies, special orders possible, party/ wedding catering, and gift cards.

Tuesday-Friday. 11:30am-6pm Saturday 11:30am - 5pm Sunday-Monday closed.

Holiday Music for Chorus and Orchestra In

River Forest

Holiday Spectacular

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

No matter if you are looking for something SPICY, COZY or FESTIVE to break up a day of local shopping there are dishes to satisfy any craving in our communities. Discover a dish that feels like a gift and pick your perfect winter warm up.

• COZY • FESTIVE

Coliflor -Amerikas, Oak Park:

The pristine combination of cauliflower, carrots, farro, almonds, and Manchego cheese with hibiscus arbol reduction is a timeless dish in our community. The vegetarian delight makes any meal feel more like a special occasion — subtle spice will warm you from the inside out.

A slice of olive oil cake -Broken Tart, Oak Park:

Savor the art of subtle when you warm up in Oak Park’s newest bakery. Indulge in a slice of cake and a cup of coffee with whole milk to give you all those cozy Oak Park feels!

Pizza in a bag -Bertolli’s, River Forest:

Frank Bertolli grew up in the pizza business and River Forest is better for it. Their classic pies are a thin crust pizza lover’s dream. Ripping open the bag is just as good as opening a holiday present -- a gift with ooey gooey cheese!

SPICY

Holiday Spectacular presented by

Winter

WarmUps

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

SPICY • COZY • FESTIVE

A trio of spicy Meatballs — Betty’s Pizza and Pasta, Oak Park:

The pizza parlor known for serving up foldable slices of New York Style pies also makes some spicy housemade meatballs capable of warming you up on a winter day. They make a perfect side to a cheese topped pizza.

The Obvious -The Daly Bagel, Oak Park:

Folks line up daily for these East Coast style beauties, and bagel maven, Amanda Daly and her team clearly know how to pile lox, cream cheese, onions, and capers on a bagel. This classic combo will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Mochi Donuts — Poke Burrito, Oak Park:

As decorative as they are delicious, the mochi donuts served up at Poke Burrito look like they could hang from a holiday tree. Treat yourself to a trendy ring next time you visit downtown Oak Park.

*All selections were made at the discretion of Eats staff.

Winter

WarmUps

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

A bounty of spicy fare — Kyber Pass, Oak Park:

Lovers of dainty pakora, orange-hued chicken tikka masala, and fluffy garlic naan bread have trusted Khyber Pass to satisfy their spicy food cravings for more than a quarter of a century. Warm up with a downtown Oak Park mainstay.

Pork Noodle Bowl -Habrae, Forest Park:

Piping hot pork served over noodles with loads of crunchy bitter greens and a few dumplings to spare — what could be more comforting that that? Expect a lot of textural variety in this piping hot bowl of Thai goodness.

Beets & Greens — Kettlestrings Grove, Oak Park:

Roasted beets, goat cheese mousse, pecan crumble, puffed quinoa, baby arugula and blood orange vinaigrette come together in a festive display — this sensible choice leaves plenty of room for a mid-shopping cocktail. Cheers!

*All selections were made at the discretion of Eats staff.

SPICY • COZY • FESTIVE

Winter

WarmUps

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

SPICY • COZY • FESTIVE

Avocado Toast -Kribi Coffee, Oak Park/ Forest Park:

A sprinkling of Aleppo pepper flakes brings a little pep to this protein packed breakfast. The chilies are only moderately hot and bring a subtle cumin-like flavor to this filling toast. Have it with a seasonal coffee drink to start your day off right!

A Rueben Sandwich -- Fritzi’s Delicatessen, Oak Park:

House-made, 14-day brined beef brisket makes this corned beef sandwich pretty unforgettable. Stacked up with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut enjoying this sandwich is like eating a big hug.

Sweet treats and holiday cheer -- River Forest Chocolates, River Forest:

Holiday Spectacular presented by

DECEMBER 2022

Programs are Open to the Public!

COOKIES & COCOA WITH SANTA

Cookies & Cocoa With Santa

DECEMBER 10, 10AM —12PM

$5/person, $20/family. Cookies, Cocoa, crafts, photos with Santa!

December 10, 10am - 12pm $5/person, $20/family. Cookies, Cocoa, cra s, photos with Santa!

December 12, 1:15 pm Social Science: Raised in the Shadow of the Party The daughter of community activist and Black Panther Party member Marion Nzinga” Stamps, educator and activist Tara Stamps will share how her upbringing shaped her life and why the Black Panther Party was an essential organization in the forward march of Black Liberation.

December 19, 1:15 pm —Music: Singers from the Lyric Celebrate the Season Celebrate the Holidays with a concert that will feature secular and sacred songs of the season and more. This program is presented by five fabulous Lyric Opera Artists: David Govertsen, Bass Baritone; Corinne Crane, Mezzo Soprano; Kimberly Jones, Soprano; John Concepcion, Tenor; and Noah Lindquist, Piano.

December 12, 1:15 pm

Social Science: Raised in the Shadow of the Party e daughter of community activist and Black Panther Party member Marion “Nzinga” Stamps, educator and activist Tara Stamps will share how her upbringing shaped her life and why the Black Panther Party was an essential organization in the forward march of Black Liberation.

178 Forest Ave., Oak Park, IL 60301 www.nineteenthcentury.org

DECEMBER 2022

Programs are Open to the Public!

COOKIES & COCOA WITH SANTA

December 19, 1:15 pm

DECEMBER 10, 10AM —12PM $5/person, $20/family. Cookies, Cocoa, crafts, photos with Santa!

December 12, 1:15 pm —Social Science: Raised in the Shadow of the Party The daughter of community activist and Black Panther Party member Marion “Nzinga” Stamps, educator and activist Tara Stamps will share how her upbringing shaped her life and why the Black Panther Party was an essential organization in the forward march of Black Liberation.

December 19, 1:15 pm Music: Singers from the Lyric Celebrate the Season Celebrate the Holidays with a concert that will feature secular and sacred songs of the season and more. This program is presented by five fabulous Lyric Opera

Music: Singers from the Lyric Celebrate the Season Celebrate the Holidays with a concert that will feature secular and sacred songs of the season and more. is program is presented by ve fabulous Lyric Opera Artists: David Govertsen, Bass-Baritone; Corinne Crane, MezzoSoprano; Kimberly Jones, Soprano; John Concepcion, Tenor; and Noah Lindquist, Piano.

Artists: David Govertsen, Bass Baritone; Corinne Crane, Mezzo Soprano; Kimberly Jones, Soprano; John Concepcion, Tenor; and Noah Lindquist, Piano. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park, IL 60301 708 386 2729 www.nineteenthcentury.org

178 Forest Ave., Oak Park, IL 60301 708-386-2729 www.nineteenthcentury.org

Jeffrey D Hines, Agent

312 Madison Street

Oak Park, IL 60302 Business: 708-628-5100 jeffrey@hinesinsures.com www.hinesinsures.com

The BEST Compliment is your Referral

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Tara Stamps

Kimberly Jones

Holiday Spectacular presented by

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

Tacos on handmade tortillas — Taco Mucho, Oak Park:

Taco Mucho menu items offer the perfect way to take the chill off a winter day in the Harrison Street Arts District. The small yet mighty taqueria has outstanding chef-driven salsas that add spice to every bite!

A diner-style

patty melt — Al’s Grill, Oak Park:

Few things feel quite as friendly and festive as a tried-and-true diner. Visit a classic on Madison Street in Oak Park and treat yourself to a traditional comfort food sandwich for some serious retro fun.

A mocha and a samosa — Wise Cup, Oak Park:

Savor some spice when you sip on Wise Cup’s perennially popular Mayan Mocha boasting dark chocolate and espresso with a dash of cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Pair the luscious drink with a handmade samosa for a perfect lunch unique to our Oak Park community.

*All selections were made at the discretion of Eats staff.

Winter

WarmUps

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

SPICY • COZY • FESTIVE

Slurp-worthy noodles — Kyuramen, Oak Park:

Curb a chill with a piping hot bowl of ramen noodles from Kyuramen. We ordered the Tokyo Tonkotsu Shouyu served with pork chashu, bamboo shoot, wakame, marinated Egg, nori, corn and scallion, but the shop has chicken and veggie options.

Ornamental looking dumplings — Na Siam, Oak Park:

New owners have kept the warming fare flowing in the North Avenue District and these dumplings are a delightful dim sum style delight. The delicious crab-filled morsels are bursting with flavor!

A Maine Lobster Roll — Poor Phil’s, Oak Park:

An east-coast mainstay makes an appearance in Oak Park. Served chilled the folks at Poor Phil’s add just a dash of wasabi mayo to give the indulgent sandwich some very subtle spice. Lobster lovers will appreciate the seaside vibes at this popular Pleasant District eatery.

*All selections were made at the discretion of Eats staff.

Holiday Spectacular presented by

One Month of Unlimited Classes

Give the Gift of Yoga this Holiday Season!

One Month of Unlimited Classes

Offer only available through December 31, 2022 and only atYogaSix Oak Park offer is applicable for first time visitors only!

Offer only available through December 31, 2022 and only atYogaSix Oak Park This offer is applicable for first time visitors only!

Call or stop by the studio TODAY!

Call or stop by the studio TODAY!

YogaSix Oak Park 1006 Lake Street Oak Park, IL60301 ~Steps away from the Lake Street Theater~ 708-328-3780 ** oakpark@yogasix.com

Lake Street Theater~

YogaSix Oak Park 1006 Lake Street Oak Park, IL60301 ~Steps away from the Lake Street Theater~ 708-328-3780 ** oakpark@yogasix.com

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ YogaSix_OakPark

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ YogaSix_OakPark

Holiday Spectacular

Wishing you a Joyful and Beautiful Holiday Season

Wishing you a Joyful and Beautiful Holiday Season

For over 37 years, Oak Park Apartments has been restoring and modernizing many of the area’s most beautiful and classic apartment buildings. In 2022, we welcomed over 800 new residents to the community. We are committed to making a home for them here in Oak Park and the near western suburbs.

Animal Care League

Animal Care League offers a safe haven for pets in need. Rooted in the community since 1973, Animal Care League takes a proactive approach to animal care and adoption as well as preventative measures to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our communities. With over 1000 pets coming to our doors each year, Animal Care League counts on supporters to ensure that we can provide what is needed from routine vaccinations to life saving surgery.

Make a difference in the life of a homeless animal by visiting animalcareleague.org where you can sign up to volunteer, make a donation, view our adoptable pets, and learn about upcoming events.

The Answer

The Answer Inc., a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to providing support, resources, education, recreation, and advocacy for families in the greater Chicago area that are challenged with supporting family members with Autism & Developmental Disorders. In addition to providing essential resources & services for parents and caregivers, our agency strives to help contribute to the continued growth, educational and recreational inclusion for the children and relatives specifically impacted. Learn more about The Answer at theanswerinc.org

Holiday Spectacular presented by

Austin Coming Together

Austin Coming Together (ACT)’s mission is to increase the collective impact of our 50+ member organizations on improving education and economic development outcomes for Chicago’s Austin community. Since 2010, we’ve been connecting residents to services, attracting investments for the community, and building capacity for policy change. After the pandemic made long-standing inequities even worse, we started addressing growing needs through efforts like the Austin Eats Initiative, a 20+ group focused on strengthening the community’s food access infrastructure.

Learn how Austin is leading efforts to move forward together, and how you can support, at //AustinComingTogether.org/AustinCares

Beyond Hunger

For over 40 years Beyond Hunger has created solutions to end hunger at every stage of life. Our programs now include providing emergency food to families in need, summer meals for kids who lack them when school is out, connecting individuals to valuable benefits like SNAP (“food stamps”), conducting nutrition education and cooking classes to combat chronic illness, and delivering groceries to homebound older adults. Organization-wide we focus on health and nutrition. We provide food that families love, that nourishes and sustains.

To donate, visit GoBeyondHunger.org or send checks payable to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301.

BUILD

Since 1969, BUILD has helped Chicago’s most vulnerable youth escape gangs and violence to become positive leaders in their communities. These young people face enormous obstacles and trauma, so we surround them with the counseling, mentoring, training, and opportunities they need to build a future and succeed. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school and college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering and gardening. Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity.

Join us in BUILDing a better future. Visit www.buildchicago.org

Cicero Independiente

News for the people by the people. Cicero Independiente is a bilingual news organization that investigates underreported issues, elevates stories of people in Cicero and holds the powerful accountable through community-rooted journalism. Donations help us pay local residents so that they can learn journalism skills and report on issues that matter to them. We foster and support civic participation and a sense of belonging in a community that has traditionally been divested in. We’re creating opportunities for more BIPOC storytellers and working collaboratively to make our town a better place to live.

Support community-rooted, bilingual journalism by making a contribution at https://donorbox.org/cicero-independiente.

The Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership

The Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership (CSPL) is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-generational spiritually-rooted organization that labors to transform racial, economic, social and environmental systemic structures through grassroots coalition building, community organizing, and liberative formation. CSPL is based in Maywood and works with community residents to bring about change and helps incubate worker cooperatives. To learn more or join our efforts, visit csplaction.org.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood

The Collaboration for Early Childhood turned twenty this year! Thank you for your two-decade-long commitment to striving towards a day where every young child has the care, relationships, and resources needed to thrive and to begin school safe, healthy, and empowered to succeed. We need your support to write the next chapter of our children’s success story. There is so much opportunity for our little ones just over the horizon. Consider setting a recurring donation to keep the good going all year long.

Learn more about our impact and make a donation at www.collab4kids.org.

Concordia University Chicago

Founded in 1864, Concordia University Chicago has equipped students to serve and lead with integrity and compassion. Concordia-Chicago is a Christ-centered Lutheran university where truth, freedom, and vocation form students for lives of influence and service for the common good. Historically a college for teachers, it now offers more than 100 areas of study through traditional, blended or online classes. Students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees through one of four colleges: the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Health, Science & Technology, and the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities.

To learn more, please visit CUChicago.edu or CUChicago.edu/GiveNow to support our students.

D97 PTO Council and Diversity Council

Holiday Spectacular presented by

the academic, social-emotional, and physical development that leads to school readiness. You can help lay the foundation today for successful adults tomorrow.

To learn more about us and to donate, visit www.thedaynursery.org

Deborah’s Place

Deborah’s Place has opened doors of opportunity for women who are homeless in Chicago since 1985. Supportive housing offers women the key to healing and moving on from the experience of homelessness. With more than 200 units of housing and over 600 women served yearly, Deborah’s Place is the largest provider of permanent supportive housing in Chicago exclusively for unaccompanied women. After 37 years of service, there is still a great need for Deborah’s Place. Women experiencing homelessness are still an underserved population. With donor support, unaccompanied women will achieve their goals and greater self-determination.

To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit deborahsplace.org, email info@ deborahsplace.org or call 773.722.5080.

Defy Ventures Illinois

Equity and Transformation

Equity and Transformation’s (EAT) mission is to build social and economic equity for Black workers engaged in the informal economy: the diversified set of economic activities, enterprises, jobs, and workers that are not regulated or protected by the state. Our strategy seeks to empower individuals who know about the issues firsthand because they live them. Concretely, EAT makes space for Black informal workers to imagine new possibilities and empowers them with the tools to realize them.

Learn about how EAT ensures Black informal workers play essential roles in Illinois’ decision-making processes and about how you can support at: eatchicago. org.

Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park

The Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside, IL

The entire Village of Riverside, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1869, is a National Historic Landmark. For over 50 years, the dedicated members and volunteers of the non-profit Olmsted Society of Riverside have strived to preserve, protect, and promote its fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, and outstanding architecture through landscape workdays, educational programs, tours, and special events. This very special American place hosts visitors from around the world who come to experience its many charms, and to learn about Olmsted’s principles.

To learn more or to donate online, visit olmstedsociety.org or mail us at Olmsted Society, P.O. Box 65, Riverside, IL 60546.

The D97 PTO Council and Diversity Council (DIVCO) Angel Fund provides financial support to D97 students, prioritizing students whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch, as well as those who face socioeconomic or cultural barriers, so that all students have a fair chance to participate fully in their school communities. The Angel Fund ensures that all students have a fair opportunity to engage their best selves in academic activities, school events, and traditions, and that they have their essential needs met during the school day. Please donate to be part of our community of care.

Tax deductible donations can be sent via: Lincoln PTO

ATTN: D97 STUDENT ANGEL FUND 1111 S Grove Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304

The Day Nursery

Since 1912, The Day Nursery has provided exceptional early childhood education in an environment that welcomes all children, enhances individual strengths, and fosters

What if YOU were known for the worst thing you’ve ever done? Do you believe in second chances? Defy Ventures Illinois

shifts mindsets to give people with criminal histories their best shot at a second chance. Using entrepreneurship, career readiness, and

The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) literary arts and educational foundation dedicated to thoughtful reading and writing.

The foundation offers a wide variety of programming, all open to the public, to nurture and encourage creative expression for students and for people of all ages. Through tours and exhibits at Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace museum, the foundation fosters an understanding of his life and work, his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature. Your gift supports

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory

Built in 1929, the Oak Park Conservatory is a Historic Property of the Park District of Oak Park. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Conservatory offers three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants and two outdoor gardens including a play area for toddlers. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers a wide range of programs

Growing Community Media

Growing Community Media connects residents through reader-supported journalism--our stories are based in facts, rooted deeply in our neighborhoods and reflective of voices not always heard. Through Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark and Village Free Press, GCM provides a vital civic service worthy of public support. Our journalists tell compelling stories that strengthen the fabric of our democracy by holding local governments and institutions to account. GCM’s non-profit news sources grow political engagement, create shared culture, and connect community members to businesses and local events. It’s about more than news.

Donate for news that matters to you at growingcommunitymedia.org/donate/

Hephzibah Children’s Association

For over 125 years, Hephzibah has served vulnerable children and struggling families. Hephzibah Home, located in the heart of Oak Park, is where children receive intense therapeutic support to heal from extreme abuse and neglect and is the only program in Illinois designated to care for young children ages 3-11. Our Family Based program supports hundreds of foster care children and stabilizes families in crisis in the Chicago metro area. The after school and summer day camp program delivers quality, affordable care for over 500 elementary school children in Oak Park every year. Change a child’s life with us at hephzibahhome.org

The Historical Society of Forest Park

The Historical Society of Forest Park collects, preserves, and shares the rich heritage of Forest Park. Through history we explore the past to understand the present and shape the future. We offer experiences of history through events, displays, and programs. Virtual tours, presentations, and films about Forest Park are found on our website. They include Forest Park Amusement Park, Bloomer Girls, Veteran History, Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument, Cemetery Symbolism,

Holiday Spectacular presented by

and others. Our members support our mission and our programs including the Garden Walk, Prohibition Event, History Hangouts, bicycle tours, and weekly lookbacks to bring history to the community throughout the year.

Visit ForestParkHistory.org to become a member or to learn more about Forest Park

Housing Forward

Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness.

We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to the housing crisis, and create stability through permanent housing. We offer a coordinated response that allows people experiencing a housing crisis to quickly resolve their situation. We offer comprehensive services including homelessness prevention, outreach and diversion, interim housing, medical respite, housing, and wraparound support. Last year, we served nearly 3,000 individuals and families with personalized support and services. Housing Forward also has programs that specifically address the housing needs of families, youth, and veterans.

To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit housingforward.org, email development@ housingforward.org, or call 708.338.1724

Infant Welfare Society

Help us care for the whole child and create greater health equity! At the OPRF Infant Welfare Society and IWS Children’s Clinic, we serve publicly insured/uninsured children and address their whole health through sick and well child visits, dental care, behavioral health services, nutrition classes and other wrap-around programs. We treat more than 3,400 area children each year, including Oak Park, Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero and beyond. Support the whole health needs of children in our community today! $25 provides a mental health screening, $50 provides two vaccines, $100 provides a preventive dental cleaning.

Learn more and donate today at https:// childrenscliniciws.org/donate or 708-4068661.

L’Arche Chicago

L’Arche Chicago provides high quality care in community-integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in the OPRF area. Our mission is lived through daily life shared in mutuality: afternoon walks to the park, doctor’s appointments, and dinner parties. Moreover, L’Arche is committed to life together in a way that welcomes difference. L’Arche Chicago is currently in the process of building a new ADA accessible home in South Oak Park that will extend this unique care model to four more adults with disabilities and address the accessibility needs of current members of the community. Whether you’d like to contribute a one-time gift, or commit to a lifetime of giving to L’Arche Chicago, every dollar will create a lasting impact in our community!

Make a needed local impact through our people and mission at www.larchechicago. org/larcheforlife

Maywood Fine Arts

Equity in the arts is the driving force behind Maywood Fine Arts’ programs and people. Access to affordable, high-quality instruction in dance, music, visual arts, drama, tumbling and fitness cannot be taken for granted among families MFA serves from nearby, under-resourced communities such as Maywood, Bellwood, and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. MFA serves over 800 students ages 4 to 18 per week, the majority of whom are young people of color. MFA’s facilities anchor downtown Maywood. Families count on MFA’s safe, nurturing out-of-school time environment where children learn artistic and social skills and expand their worldviews.

To donate, visit maywoodfinearts.org or send checks payable to Maywood Fine Arts, 25 N 5th Ave, Maywood, IL 60153.

Maywood Youth Mentoring Program

Organized in 1993 as a 501c3, the Maywood Youth Mentoring Program has served hundreds of middle to high-school youth providing a variety of programs, workshops, field trips, and experiences designed to increase academic potential and instill cultural pride. Since 2008, the program has hosted free monthly youth

breakfasts with topics ranging from anger management and conflict resolution, etiquette, police/community interactions, sexual health, drug and alcohol avoidance, and academic excellence. Youths practice critical thinking skills to encourage positive life choices. Volunteer mentors interact with youths, providing positive role models for college and career choices. Funds are needed to continuously provide free services and incentives for participation.

To volunteer, or to donate, visit us at maywoodyouthmentoring.org, or contact Barbara Cole, founder/CEO, at barbaracole@maywoodyouthmentoring. org or 708-344-3577.

New Moms

New Moms’ mission is to strengthen families by partnering with young moms as they progress toward housing stability, economic mobility, and family well-being. We believe in the strength, skills, and potential of all families and envision a future where all young moms and their children thrive! Coaches in our housing, job training, and family support programs partner with moms, 24 and under, to decrease stress, build social connections, and set and track personalized goals. Together with their coach, moms build the foundations of long-term well-being for their families and communities. Join us in this essential work! www.newmoms.org/season

The Joyful Giving Catalog

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association strengthens our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building through space grants to local non-profits, who account for 80% of its usage. We provide community outreach, scholarships, and public programming in five areas: music, art, literature, science, and social sciences. The Nineteenth Century is the owner of 178 Forest Avenue, commonly referred to as the Nineteenth Century Club. Our charitable and cultural activities are supported by our members, volunteers, donors, and by the events held at the building. Programs are open to all and we welcome all ages to join.

If you would like information about volunteering, joining or donating, please call us at 708-386-2729 email to info@ nineteenthcentury.org. You can also make donation at nineteenthcentury.org.

Oak Park Art League

The Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of the longest running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois. Since 1921, OPAL has brought arts education, appreciation, exhibitions, and artistic inquiry to the surrounding community. OPAL is committed to meaningful outreach to Oak Park and the surrounding communities through partnerships, on-site arts programming, and collaborations. The Oak Park Art League is located at 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 and online at oakparkartleague.org.

For more information about membership, exhibitions, classes, workshops, outreach, or to donate to these efforts, please contact Brad Nugent, Executive Director, at 708-386-9853 or email inquiries to oakparkartleague@gmail.com.

The Joyful Giving Catalog

Holiday Spectacular

Oak Park Public Library

Invest in Oak Park’s future. The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

manages eight endowment funds for the Oak Park Public Library. Monetary donations are tax deductible. Giving to these funds connects people and builds community, educates global citizens, and sustains, shares, and respects Oak Park’s community resources.

Choose the fund that means the most to you at oppl.org/give. Or contact Director of Finance Jeremy Andrykowski at jeremya@ oppl.org.

Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Oak Park Regional Housing Center has a mission to achieve vibrant communities while promoting intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park. OPRHC is the only non- profit agency in Oak Park promoting intentional integrative housing options. OPRHC is celebrating 50 years of service to the Oak Park community. Consider giving a tax-deductible year end donation so that we may reach our goal to raise $250,000 by December 31, 2022! These funds will help us continue to help integrate and invigorate the Oak Park community for up to 500 individuals in the first quarter of 2023!

You may donate at //oprhc.org/donate. To learn more, please call 708-848-7150.

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The mission of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is to unite community members and mobilize resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities. We envision a racially just and equitable society as the full inclusion of all people into a society in which everyone can participate, thrive and prosper. In an equitable society, everyone, regardless of the circumstance of birth or upbringing, is treated justly and fairly by its institutions and systems.

Visit oprfcf.org to learn more about our services to donors, scholars, and nonprofits.

Oak Park River Forest Museum

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest is the community’s storyteller, making history relevant in tangible ways that positively impact today’s residents including walking tours, school field trips, traveling exhibits, and house research. We operate the Oak Park River Forest Museum in an 1898 Oak Park Landmark at Lake and Lombard next to Stevenson Park. We invested $1 million in private funds to create a welcoming space in a former firehouse. Exhibits include “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing.” We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2023 activities, research center, and knowledgeable staff. Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755.

One Earth Collective

One Earth curates vibrant environmental programming that inspires action, facilitates learning, promotes justice, and fosters equity and inclusion to create resilient communities and a healthier planet. We focus our work in 3 areas - One Earth Film Festival, One Earth Youth Voices, and One Earth Local. One Earth Film Fest’s 12th season will take place March 3-12, 2022. We’re excited to welcome Chicagoland audiences back live, in addition to our virtual screenings. Join us for captivating films, engaging discussion, impactful action opportunities and community-building. Memberships start at $35. Learn more and donate at oneearthfilmfest.org/give.

Opportunity Knocks

Opportunity Knocks was established in 2009 to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they live, work, learn, grow, and connect within their community. We believe in the strength, power, and value in the voice of every Warrior. We value the importance of an interdependent connection between each Warrior and their community, along with developing healthy relationships and social connections. We approach all of life’s

experiences fearlessly, unhinged by abilities.

We are 95% privately funded and rely on the generous support of the community. Your gift is integral in moving our mission forward. Visit opportunityknocksnow.org to learn more.

Our Future Reads

Our Future Reads was founded to promote literacy by connecting curious readers with books that interest them. We partner with other non-profit agencies and survey the recipients to create personalized book donations. Through our surveys, the members request specific genres and we fulfill those requests with our book inventory. Our personalized donations create a higher likelihood that the books will be read and shared with their families and friends. We serve youthful and adult readers that may not have the means to buy every book on the shelf but still would love to read them. Let the curious be curious!

Donate today and learn more at https:// ourfuturereads.com

Parents Against Child Sex Abuse (PAXA)

PAXA is a nonprofit that in 2022 celebrates five years of delivering on the mission of empowering parents to protect their children from sexual abuse.

PAXA offers programs like its PAXA Pointers™ Curriculum, which is a parent-focused curriculum designed to address foundational information about predatory behavior in scenarios where their child is easily accessible. The curriculum is anchored with a high quality printed P.A.X.A. Pointers™ Resource Guide that can be enhanced with a virtual or in-person presentation. The topics included are: Babysitters, Playdates, Sleepovers, Schools, Devices & Online Safety.

Learn more by visiting PAXA.online and KIDSTOO.org

Holiday Spectacular presented by

The Joyful Giving Catalog

PING!

PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation), a nearly 25-year-old, community nonprofit organization, provides band and orchestra instruments along with mentoring, workshops, and access to lessons, music camps, and trips to students in need in grades 4 through 12, bringing true equity to instrumental music in Oak Park and River Forest public schools. In our community’s high-quality school music programs, PING! students can be on par with peers, regardless of their family situation, and feel like they belong. PING! serves approximately 130 young musicians annually, 70% BIPOC, bringing diversity to instrumental music classrooms and beyond.

Progress Center for Independent Living

Founded in 1988, Progress Center for Independent Living is a cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. Progress Center serves people with all types of disabilities in Suburban Cook County. We assist individuals in pursuit of their self-determined goals. Progress Center recognizes the innate rights, needs and diversity of the disabled, works toward their integration into community life, and serves as an agent of social change. Progress Center is dedicated to building a society in which people with disabilities exercise the same freedoms, rights, and civil liberties as everyone else.

Donate today and learn more at http:// progresscil.org/

River Forest Public Library Foundation

In person and online, River Forest Public Library serves everyone from toddlers to seniors by connecting them with information, entertainment, and each other in a welcoming space. RFPL Foundation works to ensure the vitality of the Library through advocacy, fundraising, and grants. Foundation grants have enabled the Library to refresh the Children’s and Teen spaces, maintain the Memorial Garden for gatherings, offer community events like the Dooleys Band concert, explore the feasibility of re-purposing indoor space for community use, and more.

Please donate at rfplfoundation.org and help your Library continue to serve and connect our community for generations to come.

Sarah’s Inn

Donate: pingoprf.org/ donate. Instrument donations: info@ pingoprf.org.

Pro Bono Network

Access to justice should not depend upon your ability to afford an attorney. There are simply not enough legal aid lawyers to help people in dire need of civil legal aid. These include issues of safety from an abuser, adequate housing, critical care documents, and more.

Pro Bono Network has enabled 425+ attorneys to give more than 28,000 hours of free legal assistance to 5,000 clients whose lives were meaningfully changed. Let’s transform lives together by increasing access to legal representation.

To get involved or donate, visit pro-bononetwork.org. Your support will make an

Race Conscious Dialogues

Race Conscious Dialogues are designed to deepen awareness of identity, power and privilege, then to integrate learning with everyday life. This nonprofit community resource offers a variety of cohorts both in-person and virtually, and the foundational workshop series consists of 4 sessions with light readings to be done in preparation.

Conversations are framed around understanding Whiteness – our own racial identities, the historical and current harm being caused by Whiteness, and guided discovery of how we show up and work collectively to eradicate racism.

Thank you for considering a donation as well as participation! www. raceconsciousdialogues.org

Sarah’s Inn is a community-based organization whose mission is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. We offer services in three areas of program focus: Intervention services for families affected by domestic violence that includes Advocacy and Counseling; Prevention education for youth to give them the tools to develop healthy relationships; and Training and Education for professionals and community-based organizations to create a network of skilled ambassadors. Intervention services are confidential, bilingual (English/ Spanish), and offered free of charge to survivors and their children.

Learn more and donate at sarahsinn.org

St. Angela School

St. Angela has served the families of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood for more than five generations,

enriching the lives and futures of their children. We have a storied history and an extended family of generous alumni whose philanthropy provides scholarship funds and whose engagement keeps our campus beautiful. We are richly blessed and deeply grateful for the partnerships that have sustained us through the years. Now, early in our second century, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community. We ask those partners to recommit to our cause as well. Thank you!

Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org or call us at (773) 626-2655.

Silk Road Rising

Silk Road Rising is a community-centered artmaking and arts service organization rooted in Pan-Asian, North African, and Muslim experiences. Through storytelling, digital media, and arts education, we challenge disinformation, cultivate new narratives, and promote a culture of continuous learning. Our work expands and enriches the American story and explores how we understand both Americanness and belonging. In so doing, we create opportunities for communities of diverse backgrounds to experience cultural interchange, challenge racism and coloniality, and upend polarization.

Learn how Silk Road Rising uses stories to help our world heal, and how you can support us by visiting www.silkroadrising. org.

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest

The award-winning Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest and its esteemed conductor Jay Friedman, continues to bring extraordinary and accessible concerts to our community. Ticket sales provide less than half the funds needed for the Symphony’s performances. Your gift keeps the orchestra going strong and allows us to maintain affordable ticket prices, including free admission for all students through college. Please help us continue and strengthen our 91-year tradition of bringing beautiful and inspiring music to Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and neighboring communities.

Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at SymphonyOPRF.org, or: P.O. Box 3564, Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.

Thrive Counseling Center

Thrive Counseling Center has provided

mental health services to the greater Oak Park area for over 120 years. We build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being, regardless of their ability to pay. Hope, resilience, and recovery form the heart of our programs and services for youth and adults.

Individual therapy • Group therapy Psychiatry and medication management 24/7 Crisis intervention

Case management Suicide awareness and prevention training

Thrive Talks community education programs

Open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday from 9am-2pm. To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc. org or call 708-383-7500.

UCP Seguin

UCP Seguin believes that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community. So we stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children. Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities. Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin.org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304

Holiday Spectacular presented

Way Back Inn

Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for substance and gambling use disorders. Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment. This holiday season, we ask that you gift responsibly with the youth in your family. Children who have early exposure to gambling experiences, including lottery tickets, are more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life.

For more information or to make a donation to our program, go to: www.waybackinn.org or call us at 708-345-8422 ext. 22.

West Cook YMCA

A life best lived includes helping others experience a better life. When you give to the West Cook YMCA, you give to our community. 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to providing scholarships to children, adults, and seniors- your friends and neighborstransforming their lives through access to health screenings, chronic disease prevention programs, after-school programs, swim lessons, life-skills training for residents, and Y memberships that can open the door to help each person become their best self. Make a difference right in your own community today through your support of West Cook YMCA’s scholarship fund.

To donate, visit WestCookYMCA.org/donate or send your check to West Cook YMCA, 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302. (708-383-

West Suburban Special Recreation Association

West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) provides recreational programming for individuals with disabilities who reside in Oak Park, River Forest and nine other surrounding communities. Donations to WSSRA help provide financial assistance to those participating in our year-round programs and summer day camp. To make a donation please visit wssra.net.

Wonder Works

For 20 years, children have learned through PLAY in the safe, enriching environment of Wonder Works Children’s Museum on North Avenue. We put great care into creating a child-sized environment with 8 permanent exhibits that spark curiosity, creativity, and learning in the areas of science, math, literacy, and the arts for children from birth to 8. Your donations support special programs, exhibit improvements, free and discounted admissions for families in financial need, and more! Please join us in our mission to spark curiosity and innovation through play-based learning experiences.

Visit Wonder-Works.org to donate and support the power of play

YoungLives Chicago

YoungLives Chicago is a mentoring ministry devoted to loving and supporting teenage mothers and their babies. YoungLives mentors walk

community of belonging for young families to thrive. Teen moms meet twice a month with their mentors for YoungLives club and have the opportunity for a summer camp experience specifically designed as a respite for teenage moms. The cost of a week of camp is $500 for the whole family. Your gift impacts two generations at once! Please consider sponsoring a teen mom and her baby today. Thank you for being a part of our YoungLives village.

If you would like information about volunteering, please contact kimberly.y.graves@gmail.com. You can also make donation at giving.younglife.org/ youngliveschicago

Youth Crossroads

Youth Crossroads supports youth, guiding them through life’s challenges, and inspiring them to discover new opportunities for personal development, healthy relationships, and positive community involvement. We provide youth in Chicago’s near west suburbs with the services they need to achieve success at home, in school, and in life. All services are free, in English and Spanish, including In-School and Community Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Youth Leadership Training, Workforce Development, After-School Enrichment, Food Pantries, and Summer Camp.

Your donation makes it possible for youth to get the guidance, support, and inspiration they need to build meaningful lives. Visit youthcrossroads.org for more information.

Holiday Spectacular presented by

Celebrate the season with this year’s theme, “A Rose in Winter”, featuring inspiring music from the medieval era to the present. Tickets start at $25 - Visit baroque.org/holiday for more information.

Committed to Oak Park and River Forest

Byline is privileged to be a part of the OPRF community and is proud to have contributed more than $90,000 in sponsorships and support to the Oak Park and River Forest area this year, alone. Our team looks forward to continuing our commitment to customers and businesses in the Oak Park and River Forest community.

To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf