Chicago North Shore Moms extends big hugs and whole hearted thanks to Bernie’s Book Bank for compiling this unforgettable list of nine ways families can give back to your local communities!
Book sorting volunteers at Bernie’s Book Bank!
Sharing time through volunteering assists those in need and nurtures a sense of community. Involving the whole family is both a fun and meaningful experience that creates memories and impact. It is a hands-on way to teach children about compassion and empathy early on. If you are considering giving back to your community through service with your family, this guide provides some local non-profits that could use your help.
Gratitude Generation
Gratitude Generation believes that making positive changes in the world starts with our kids. They’re on a mission to create more grateful, happy, healthy children who will grow into contributing adults and improve the lives of people around them. They also believe that when kids practice gratitude, and experience what it means to help others, it instills the practice of giving and builds strong values. That’s why g2 programs are built around hands-on community service opportunities for volunteers of all ages.
Volunteer here: gratitudegeneration.org
SaLT (Service and Learning Together)
Founded by Ida Fiore, SaLT (Service and Learning Together) is a local youth-led nonprofit based in Highland Park. Since 2016, they’ve partnered with North Shore teens and families to give back through hands-on service projects like Shop N’ Drop (supporting food-insecure families), Love2Learn tutoring, Take Care care packages, and student service-learning trips across the U.S. Programs are student-driven, adult-supported, and open to all area high schoolers.
Volunteer here: saltservice.org
Bernie’s Book Bank
Bernie’s Book Bank sources, processes, and distributes age-appropriate and culturally relevant books to children. Since 2009, Bernie’s Book Bank has delivered over 27 million books to children ages birth to sixth grade. Focusing on communities where children are least likely to have books of their own, Bernie’s Book Bank helps build a child’s personal library of 96 books by 6th grade. The organization recognizes the importance of children’s literacy and envisions a future where every child has equal access to books and the opportunities they inspire. Bernie’s Book Bank currently hosts three volunteer sessions six days a week. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome to assist in sorting, stickering, and bagging books at their Lake Bluff facility.
Learn more here: berniesbookbank.org
Cradles to Crayons
Cradles to Crayons is an organization that provides essential items to children birth to 12 years old who are living in homeless or low-income situations. They strive for every child to have all the essentials they need to feel safe, warm, and learn, and they need volunteers to help achieve this goal. Cradles to Crayons works with nearly 75,000 individuals, families, community groups, and business volunteers in their Giving Factories and community events to serve thousands of children.
Get involved here: cradlestocrayons.org/chicago
Fill a Heart 4 Kids
Fill a Heart 4 Kids is an organization that helps provide homeless, at-risk, and foster children with important necessities. Annually, they host 400 volunteer events for groups, individuals, and corporations to leverage services and resources to make the best possible future for kids in need. Fill a Heart 4 Kids helps over 2,400 children with meal security, distributing 230,000 pounds of food and food gift cards to help provide predictable meals. Educational support is provided through school supplies or tutoring, helping children with life skills like cooking, science classes, art, and much more. Fill a Heart 4 Kids sponsors thousands of toiletry packages and needed supplies for kids each year and can use your help.
More info here: fillaheart4kids.org
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE)
LBFE has been focused on alleviating loneliness and isolation among older adults since 1959. The organization recognizes how critical social interaction is to the human spirit and aims to bring community and connection to older adults in the Chicagoland area. LBFE connects through in-home visits, holiday and birthday parties at their multi-purpose facility, and many other social outings with groups of elders. The holidays are an important time for this organization, as they prepare gifts, meals, and parties to bring holiday cheer and festivities to isolated adults. LBFE needs assistance with gift wrapping, delivery bag decoration, meal preparations, and more during the holidays.
Find out more: lbfechicago.org/volunteer/holiday-help
Northern Illinois Food Bank
The Northern Illinois Food Bank empowers neighbors by providing nutritious food and resources to promote dignity, equity and convenience. They also aid food program implementation within the community, such as SNAP/food stamps and child nutrition programs. By providing over 250,000 meals per day, the Northern Illinois Food Bank supports 13 counties across Northern Illinois. Volunteers help sort and package food donations and distribute groceries to those in need.
More information here: solvehungertoday.org
Nourishing Hope
Nourishing Hope is an organization that helps provide food, counseling, and social services like job and housing assistance to neighbors. This organization has evolved to be more than just a long-lasting food pantry; it now helps address hunger needs and long-term solutions to build a future. Nourishing Hope has served and helped thousands of people each year by providing 4 million meals through their programs and partnerships.
See more here: nourishinghopechi.org
PAWS Chicago
PAWS is a no-kill shelter for animals, who aims to save and find homes for thousands of cats and dogs in the midwest. Too few animals are being adopted or fostered, and this organization helps to house, treat, and find loving homes for each. PAWS uses volunteers to help homeless pets by interacting with them, walking, feeding and cleaning pets.
Find out more: pawschicago.org
Share our Spare
Share our Spare is a charity that ensures every Chicago area child from the age of 0 to 5 has items that are essential to supporting their development and health. They activate community impact through innovative solutions and a web of partners so children can thrive and rise. This organization receives donations or hosts events to sort and check the quality and bundle new children’s essentials. Activities include sorting diapers, packing diaper orders, organizing nursing supplies or bookshelves, etc.
Volunteer here: shareourspare.org
Beacon Place
Beacon Place, founded in 2013 by a dedicated group of women committed to strengthening the Waukegan community, is a non-profit family and community center focused on empowering youth and families. Serving children from Kindergarten through 12th grade, Beacon Place provides a supportive environment through education and enrichment, health and wellness initiatives, and practical skill-building programs designed to foster long-term success. Beacon Place continues to be a vital resource and hub for opportunities for local residents, and is rooted in the belief that individuals and families have a path for a brighter tomorrow.
Get involved and make a difference. Start here: https://beacon-place.volunteerhub.com/vv2/
It feels good to give back! Happy giving!
