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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, distributed for Thanksgiving, allow recipients to purchase their own family favorite food items.  In addition, program participants receive gifts in December purchased by sponsors wishing to brighten their holiday season. 

In 2016, about 800 households, representing over 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 individuals 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.  Thank you!

    Sign Up to Sponsor

    Sponsors generally spend around $50 per person (a family of four would translate to a sponsor spending around $200).  Invite friends, neighbors, or colleagues to sponsor with you and enjoy shopping and wrapping together.

    To sponsor, complete and submit the form below.  Under "Additional Information" please:

    1.  Indicate how many people you will sponsor
    2.  Provide a street address and phone

    ​HFGB will mail names, wish lists, and gift drop-off details.  

Submit

2017 Key Dates


​Referral Applications Due

Friday, October 20 to HFGB office, 8020 Madison, River Forest, IL


Gift Drop Off Dates & Location

United Lutheran Church
409 Greenfield, Oak Park

Saturday, December 2 – Thursday, December 7 

            Saturday, December 2 – 9 a.m. - Noon

            Monday, December 4 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

            Tuesday, December 5 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

            Wednesday, December 6  - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

            Thursday, December 7 – 8:00 a.m. to Noon and 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.


Saturday, December 9 – 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!
​

Thank You to Our Community Partners


HFGB would like to thank the following businesses and organizations that supported the program in 2016 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
Community Bank
Elan Hair, Body & Sole
Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church
First United Church
First United Methodist Church
Forest Agency Insurance
Holmes Elementary School
Gagliardo Realty
Gloor Realty
Good Shepherd Lutheran
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 River Forest Kiwanis
Oak Park Women's Guild
River Forest Methodist Church
River Forest Township
St. Catherine St. Lucy School
St. Edmunds
St. Giles Family Mass
South East Oak Park Community
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

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