The Neighborhood Giving Project Partners with Oak Park Public Library

The Neighborhood Giving Project announces its next venture in partnership with the Oak Park Public Library: providing an after-school children’s community service club.

Beginning September 2012, The Neighborhood Giving Project will host one-hour workshops in the Children’s Storytime Room on the first floor. Each workshop will provide children a hands-on and developmentally appropriate introduction to various service organizations in Oak Park and surrounding area. Projects will be started and completed within the hour, and each workshop will be unique. Participants can attend any one or all of the workshops offered.

Families are encouraged to participate together, as some subjects may raise wonderful opportunities for discussion. The young and young-at-heart are all welcome, though most of our projects are best-suited for ages 3 to 12. The workshops are free, supplies will be provided. Walk-ins are welcome.

The September workshop will support West Suburban PADS, an organization that provides shelter, supportive services, and employment readiness programs to the homeless. Participants may climb in a sleeping bag, and feel what it is like to sleep on a hard surface. They may participate in a ‘pack-a-bag’ concept, choosing just 5 of various essential or luxury items, and then discussing their choices. And finally, they may create a ‘no-sew’ scarf or blanket, which will be donated to PADS. Information on West Suburban PADS will be available for families to take home.

The Neighborhood Giving Project’s mission is to inspire children to be better citizens of the world by providing hands-on, hands-together community service opportunities; to enrich their learning with civic responsibility, social justice, and charitable action. Past projects include educational tours and fundraisers with The Animal Care League, The Oak Park Conservatory, and the Oak Park Food Pantry, as well as participating in the CROP Walk, hosting a free community Hot Chocolate Party, and encouraging small acts of kindness such as the Mystery Snow Shovel project, and Giving Thanks letter-writing campaign. 

Want to hear more? Visit The Neighborhood Giving Project's booth at The Day in the Village on June 3rd in Scoville Park. Members will be on hand with kids' activities and giveaways, and discussing future plans and opportunities to volunteer with our organization.

Contacts:
Heather McCammond-Watts, Manager Children's Services Oak Park Public Library 708-452-3425 hmwatts@oppl.org
Carrie Summy, President The Neighborhood Giving Project, carrie@neighborhoodgivingproject.org