Wanted: Gift Donations for Overlooked Residents

As you make your way through Orland Township it is evident from all the lights, decorations and music that the holiday season is upon us. Also, upon us is the Orland Township Holiday program, which counts on the generosity of residents, local groups and businesses to help make the holiday a little brighter for more than 150 families in need.

While the Township does its best to provide items on wish lists for the families and children in the program, a group that the program struggles to provide for are the older children, typically between the ages of 12 and 17. Orland Township is seeking gift donations for this age group to be distributed during the holiday program.

“We truly appreciate the generosity of our residents who participate in the Township’s Holiday Program by adopting a family, choosing a child’s wish list from our giving tree and/or donating holiday food items,” said Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady. “However, one area we always come up short in is items for are our teens and preteens.”

Suggested items include arts and crafts kits, slippers, blankets, sports team apparel (hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.) personal hygiene products (shaving kits, hair supplies, make-up sets, etc.), board games, headphones/earbuds, winterwear, and fashion jewelry. If shopping for someone between the ages of 12 and 17, consider buying a duplicate item and donating it to the Orland Township Holiday Program.

“While out doing your holiday shopping, if you can find it in your heart and wallet to pick up an extra gift, know that you will be making the holiday a little more special for an older child,” said Supervisor O’Grady. “Thank you in advance for sharing your holiday spirit with our neighbors in need.”

The majority of the Holiday Program recipients are clients of the Orland Township Food Pantry, which serves more than 300 families a month.

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., and Tuesdays until 6 p.m.

Please deliver donations for the Holiday Program by Thursday, December 12, to give Township personnel time to sort and organize.

For more information on the Orland Township Holiday Program, please visit the website, orlandtownship.org, or call (708) 403-4222.