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Community Corner

Orland Township’s 2022 Holiday Program

The Township's 2022 Holiday Program will help support nearly 300 local families in need.

Supervisor Paul O'Grady with donations for the 2021 Holiday Program
Supervisor Paul O'Grady with donations for the 2021 Holiday Program (Alexandria Shipyor | Orland Township)

ORLAND PARK, IL — Starting on Nov. 1, Orland Township will be ready to accept donations for this year’s Holiday Program; and there are several ways to participate.

For over 30 years, Orland Township has provided a yearly holiday meal, gifts, and other personal items to more than 200 families who are experiencing financial difficulties; with a majority of the recipients being clients of the Orland Township Food Pantry. Whether you’re donating as a single resident, family, school, or business, your generosity is greatly appreciated.


There are 8 different ways to participate in Orland Township’s 2022 Holiday Program:


Giving Tree – The Giving Tree helps ensure that no child or teen is forgotten during this holiday season. Starting Nov. 1, you can come in and choose a tag off of the tree. The gift tags will have the age, sex, and desired toy or clothing item for each child. All tags and gifts must be returned to Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, by Friday, December 2.

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Adopt-A-Family – Make the holidays brighter for an entire family by filling their wish lists of toys, clothing, and other household items. This is a popular idea for work, church, school, and social groups. Adoptions begin Nov. 1. To inquire about the Adopt-A-Family program, please email twpinfo@orlandtownship.org.


Giving Tuesday Holiday Donation Drives – Orland Township’s Holiday Program will host two Donation Drive-Thru’s on November 29 and December 6 to allow community members to drop off new, unwrapped gift items, clothing, and nonperishable food items. All donations will go to local families who are experiencing hardship. Items are needed for all ages, especially for pre-teens, teens and adults. Learn more about the Holiday Donation Drives by visiting orlandtownship.org/givingtuesday.

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Item Donations – Contributions of food, NEW toys, NEW clothing and personal items can be dropped off at the Township. NEW gift and clothing items for teenagers and adults are usually in short supply and greatly appreciated, as are monetary donations.


Registry For Good – Also known as Orland Township’s Salvation Army Service Extension Unit Angel Tree, you may purchase needed items through this online registry so Orland Township can help make the lives of families a little brighter! The items on this registry goes towards the Holiday Program by filling families wish lists. You can find the link to the registry by visiting orlandtownship.org/holiday.


Amazon Digital Toy Drive – For those who are unable to make it to the stores in time for the 2022 Holiday Program, Orland Township has put together an easy-to-shop list on Amazon for donors to utilize. All gifts purchased through the online wish list will be delivered to the Township and distributed to remaining program families in need. Shop the list at orlandtownship.org/holiday


Merry PAWS-mas – This Holiday season, support local families in need of assistance for their animal companions through Merry PAWS-mas. Orland Township encourages you to consider donating dog food, cat food and/or litter for the Orland Township Pet Pantry from Thursday, Dec. 1 through Friday, Dec. 16. Bring your four-legged canine friend to the Township office and receive a special treat for your support!


Holiday Letters to Elders – Orland Township is sponsoring Holiday Letters to Elders this season. Students in grades 6 through 12 are highly encouraged to participate in the program. Supervisor O’Grady noted that Orland Township provides services to well over 2,100 seniors each year and that opportunities to participate in this program therefore are plentiful. The Township will offer one service hour for every five letters completed, with a limit of three hours per volunteer. Letters MUST be written at Orland Township to keep track with mailing. Starting Nov. 9, volunteers are welcome to visit Orland Township, located at 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park, during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last day to participate is Friday, Dec. 9.

Donations for the Holiday Program can be dropped off at the Township office, 14807 S.
Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, during regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, the Township will offer extended Holiday Program Donation Hours:
• Monday, Nov. 28 5pm-7pm
• Tuesday, Nov. 29 5pm-7pm
• Wednesday, Nov. 30 5pm-7pm
• Thursday, Dec. 1 5pm-7pm

Please deliver donations for the Holiday Program by Thursday, December 9, to give
Township personnel time to sort and organize.

All inquiries in regards to Orland Township’s 2022 Holiday Program can be made via email at twpinfo@orlandtownship.org.

For more information on programs, services, and events being held at Orland Township, visit the website, orlandtownship.org, or call (708) 403-4222. Be sure to like the Orland Township Facebook page for more updates.

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