Holiday Food and Gift Basket
The Holiday Food and Gift Basket (HFGB), a community institution since the 1970's, provides assistance at the holidays to low-income families and individuals living in the Oak Park and River Forest area. Food gift cards are distributed for Thanksgiving. These cards allow recipients to purchase their own family, favorite food items to make their celebration special. In addition, program participants receive gifts in December from sponsors wishing to brighten their holidays.
In 2018, about 800 households, which represent approximately 2,000 individuals, were referred to HFGB through the Oak Park and River Forest Townships, local schools, local churches, and social service organizations, including The Children's Clinic, Hephzibah Children's Association, and Thrive Counseling Center, among others.
The program is funded, in part, by grants from Oak Park Township Youth Services and River Forest Township, along with financial donations from organizations, churches, and individual donors throughout our communities.
In addition, more than 400 individuals and groups purchase gifts for HFGB participants.
The Holiday Food and Gift Basket (HFGB), a community institution since the 1970's, provides assistance at the holidays to low-income families and individuals living in the Oak Park and River Forest area. Food gift cards are distributed for Thanksgiving. These cards allow recipients to purchase their own family, favorite food items to make their celebration special. In addition, program participants receive gifts in December from sponsors wishing to brighten their holidays.
In 2018, about 800 households, which represent approximately 2,000 individuals, were referred to HFGB through the Oak Park and River Forest Townships, local schools, local churches, and social service organizations, including The Children's Clinic, Hephzibah Children's Association, and Thrive Counseling Center, among others.
The program is funded, in part, by grants from Oak Park Township Youth Services and River Forest Township, along with financial donations from organizations, churches, and individual donors throughout our communities.
In addition, more than 400 individuals and groups purchase gifts for HFGB participants.
Financial Support
HFGB relies on donations from private donors, congregations, and businesses, as well as grants from local organizations. Money raised is largely used to fund the food gifts cards distributed in November. Your support helps those served celebrate the holiday season with food and gifts that nourish both their physical and emotional health. Checks made out to Holiday Food and Gift Basket may be sent to HFGB, P.O. Box 3365, Oak Park, IL 60303. Online donations are also welcome. Thank you!
2019 Key Dates
Referral Applications Due
Friday, October 25 to HFGB office, 8020 Madison, River Forest, IL
Gift Drop Off Dates & Location
United Lutheran Church
409 Greenfield, Oak Park
Saturday, December 7 – Thursday, December 12
Saturday, December 7 – 9 a.m. - Noon
Monday, December 9 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 11 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 12 – 8:00 a.m. to Noon and 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 – Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver gifts. All deliveries are made in Oak Park and River Forest starting about 8:00 am. Email holidaybasket@hotmail.com for more details.
Gift Drop Off Dates & Location
United Lutheran Church
409 Greenfield, Oak Park
Saturday, December 7 – Thursday, December 12
Saturday, December 7 – 9 a.m. - Noon
Monday, December 9 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 11 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 12 – 8:00 a.m. to Noon and 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 – Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver gifts. All deliveries are made in Oak Park and River Forest starting about 8:00 am. Email holidaybasket@hotmail.com for more details.
Join Our Mailing List
If you would like to be on our mailing list, please email holidaybasket@hotmail.com. Thank you!
If you would like to be on our mailing list, please email holidaybasket@hotmail.com. Thank you!
Thank You to Our Community Partners
HFGB would like to thank the following businesses and organizations that supported the program in 2018 with financial donations, sponsor recruitment, and program publicity.
A special thank you to United Lutheran Church for generously providing space the first week in December.
Brooks Middle School
Elan Hair, Body & Sole
Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church
First United Church
First United Methodist Church
Forest Agency Insurance
Holmes Elementary School
Gagliardo Realty
Good Shepherd Lutheran
Grace Episcopal Church
Julian Middle School
Lincoln Elementary School, Oak Park
Oak Park Apartments (Greenplan Management)
Oak Park Friend's Meeting
Oak Park River Forest High School
Oak Park Women's Guild
Optimist Club of Oak Park
River Forest Methodist Church
River Forest Township
St. Catherine St. Lucy School
St. Edmunds Church
St. Giles Family Mass
The Neighborhood Giving Project
United Lutheran Church
Unity Oak Park
Wednesday Journal
HFGB 2013
HFGB 2012
Volunteers are busy organizing food gift cards for distribution.
Farmer's Market Bake Sale 9-22-12
HFGB 2011
HFGB in the News (Copy links into new browser to view)
ABC News, December 8, 2011:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=8460217&pid=8459718
WGN News, December 10, 2011:
http://www.wgntv.com/videogallery/66694522/News/Massive-Gift-Drive-in-Oak-Park#gl-0
Referral Sources
CEDA Head Start
Hephziabah Children's Association
Oak Park Dept. of Public Health
Oak Park Housing Authority
Oak Park River Forest High School
Oak Park River Forest Day Nursery
Oak Park School District 97
Oak Park Senior Services
Oak Park Township
Parenthesis
River Forest School District 90
River Forest Township
Sarah's Inn
St. Catherine/St. Lucy Church
St. Catherine/St. Lucy School
St. Edmund Church
The Children's Clinic
The Try Center
Threshholds
Thrive Counseling Center
Contact Us
Patty Henek, HFGB Coordinator: holidaybasket@hotmail.com or call 708/771-6159, ext. 244. Please allow up to seven rings before the voice mail picks up. Email is the best way to get a quick response.
"LIKE" us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holiday-Food-and-Gift-Basket/147486818666677
Patty Henek, HFGB Coordinator: holidaybasket@hotmail.com or call 708/771-6159, ext. 244. Please allow up to seven rings before the voice mail picks up. Email is the best way to get a quick response.
"LIKE" us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holiday-Food-and-Gift-Basket/147486818666677
