Going on Around Town: Give a Child a Gift, Forest Parkopoly and More

Help for Forest Park Kids

Bring a new and unwrapped gift to R-Place Dec. 13 for the annual community toy drive to aid needy Forest Park youngsters.

This year's event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1527 Harlem Ave.

Gifts are distributed by the Howard Mohr Community Center, which sponsors and administers a holiday gift and food basket program supporting Forest Park families in need.

The event is sponsored by the village.

Call Karen Dylewski at the community center, 708-771-7737 for more information or stop by 7640 W. Jackson Blvd.

Donate that Old Cell

Help provide vital emergency communications to a senior in need or a victim of domestic abuse by dropping off your phone at village hall, 517 Des Plaines Ave.

There's a drop-off box is prominently situated in the lobby.

The effort is sponsored by the Cook County Sheriff's Office and the 911 Phone Bank.

Call village hall, 708-366-2323 for more information.

A Holiday from Parking

Beginning Monday, Dec. 3 parking meters on Madison Street and Roosevelt Road will be covered with red bags and will remain that way until after Jan. 1. 

The village also is offering free on-street overnight parking for residents and their company over Christmas and the New Year, from Dec. 22 through Jan. 1. That means residents don't have to call for overnight permits.

But, snow routes will remain in effect regardless. 

Forest Park's a Game

Folks who couldn't get to the Holiday Walk to buy Forest Parkopoly, take heart. You can still get one at a number of different spots around town.

The Forest Park Historical Society's slice of Forest Park life past and present will be on sale at Todd & Holland Tea Merchants, 7311 W. Madison St., Forest Park National Bank & Trust, 7348 W. Madison St. and a supply will be for sale at Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 Madison St.

More than 55 businesses bought ads on the board. Landmarks such as the Haymarket Martyrs Monument are represented. And it's quite a complete historic picture of Forest Park past and present. Old Forest Park pictures decorate the box and board: the park district building, the 1920s Steeple Chase Roller Coaster and a team photo from the Parichy Bloomer Girls, a softball team that existed for about 20 years.

The cost is $25, with a 10-percent discount if purchased with a Historical Society membership.