Ways to Volunteer in New Lenox This Holiday Season

As need has grown among many families in the last few years, so to has the response to give, at least around New Lenox.

Many people involved with charitable ventures, from the food pantry or the Daybreak Center in Joliet, have said that willingness to donate and volunteer has been fantastic, especially around the holidays.

So if you've caught the spirit of giving, here are some local ways you can help out the less fortunate around the holidays:

Feed the Hungry

A collection box is at the for food items that will be donated to needy families through Together We Cope, a resale shop in Tinley Park. Local business owners can also add a collection box to their stores. Call 708-326-4001 for details

Toys for Tots

The Fire Protection District is collecting toys now through the week before Christmas for Toys for Tots. If you have any questions contact Public Education Coordinator Erika Leader at 815-463-4500.

will holds its annual Christmas Concert and Toy Drive at 3 p.m. Dec. 11. The Providence choir, concert and jazz bands will perform at the school. Admission is free but attendants are asked to bring a toy for a child.

Serve the Troops

So many residents will be overseas for the holidays. You can donate items to them to thank them for their service. Angela Perry, a U.S. Marine from the Lincoln-Way area, started Angela's Mission to serve hospitalized troops and collect items for them, including shampoo, books, socks and lots more. To learn more, call the at 815-485-8369.

Operation Santa

Every year, offers senior citizens a Santa bus ride event to help homebound seniors feel remembered during the holiday. The township is seeking gift donations before Dec. 10, dropped off at the township office, 11000 S. Cedar Road.

Items you may donate include: writing tablets, stamps, writing utensils, socks, shaving equipment, playing cards, shawls, fresh fruit candy bars, small raising cookies, juice boxes, individually wrapped candy, sealed fruit cups, crackers, sugar-free candy and gum, and more. Call 815-485-6431 for more information.

Giving Tree

offers a great program called the Giving Tree to help residents in need. One tree holds cards requesting financial aid, and two hold cards requesting gifts and food. Anyone can claim a card and take care of the needy person who wrote it. Collections will take place Dec. 4 through Dec. 7. Go to St. Jude's website for more information.

Help Animals

There are six locations in New Lenox (Tucker's Doggie Delights, All 4 Paws Grooming, Animal Clinic at New Lenox, Fabians Flooring, Pretty Penny Nails and Papa Joe's) that have collection boxes to benefit TLC Animal Shelters. Items sought include kitty litter, canned dog and cat food, an iPod docking station and lots more.

Do you have a volunteer opportunity for people in the New Lenox area? Post it to our Volunteers Needed page.