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Ways to Give

Celebration of Giving

Graphic logo for Celebration of GivingUnwrap the spirit through Catholic Charities’ Celebration of Giving

Celebration of Giving supports children and families throughout Cook and Lake counties, giving to those who otherwise would not have gifts for Christmas. Last year, more than 15,000 individuals received presents from this heartwarming program. For more than 75 years, Catholic Charities has been proud to work with our generous donors and community partners to spread Christmas cheer! With your help we can make this another successful year and bring Christmas joy to families in need.

Help make wishes come true this Christmas by sponsoring a family or purchasing individual gifts. Online shopping makes giving easier than ever. Or, if you care to drop off your unwrapped gift donations, please do so by MONDAY, DECEMBER 4. Thank you for your kindness, and Merry Christmas!

 

How You Can Help

The easiest way to donate toys? Shop online from one of our wish lists, and the toys will ship directly to us! Or, drop off your unwrapped gifts at one of our sites. You can go shopping, or host a toy drive in your office, church, school, or neighborhood. Below are links to our online wish lists, along with details for dropping off gifts in person.

Shop Online

Lake County

Drop Off Your Unwrapped Gifts

In Cook County

November 20-December 4: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm
Catholic Charities Offices, 721 North LaSalle Street

December 3: 9am-5pm
Catholic Charities Offices, 721 North LaSalle Street

November 27-December 4: Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Blue Island: 2731 South Wood Street
Cicero: 1400 South Austin Boulevard
Des Plaines: 1717 Rand Road

In Lake County

December 8-9, 10am-2pm
Indian Creek: 236 U.S. Hwy 45

December 10-11: 12noon to 5pm
Libertyville: 1950 USG Drive

Sponsor a Family

  • Sponsor a family. We’ll share the ages and genders for a family, along with a family wish list. We ask you to spend $50-75 per family member to make their family celebration one to remember.
  • Sponsor a shopping trip to help fill our warehouse with gifts. We provide the wish list, and you provide the funds and shoppers! This is a great team-building activity!
  • Want to support a specific Catholic Charities program? We will send you first names, genders, and ages of the children you’ll sponsor.

Volunteer for the Celebration

  • Want to get hands-on elf experience? Help sort and package toys and gifts at Santa’s Workshop! Contact us to get involved:
    Cook County: Call (312) 655-7401 or Email: [email protected]
    Lake County: Call (847) 782-4210 or Email: [email protected]
  • Is your company, parish, or organization interested in volunteering as a group? Contact us to help with scheduling.

Make a financial contribution to help stock our warehouses.