For more than 30 years, the Orland Township Holiday Program has assisted local families in need. Through many acts of kindness and generosity, the Holiday Program helped make the holidays last year a little brighter for Orland Township families experiencing financial difficulties.
“It warms my heart to see the number of people we’re able to assist at Orland Township,” said volunteer Yvonne Thomas. “We recognize the need in this community and we’re proud to be part of the solution. When we all come together to help, it really does make a big difference.”
Information about the Holiday Program, which included the Giving Tree, Adopt-A-Family Program, two Donation Drive-Thru's and an Amazon Digital Toy Drive, was made available in late October. Community members also were presented with opportunities to volunteer, whether by assisting in the Food Pantry, writing letters to local seniors through the Holiday Letters for Elders Program, or by collecting donations at local Jewel-Osco stores.
Orland Township began receiving donations for the Holiday Program in early November. After weeks of sorting, gifts were organized by the family recipients and a mass distribution was held on Saturday, Dec. 16. Firefighters and cadets from the Orland Fire Protection District and many regular Food Pantry volunteers assisted with the distribution, loading bags of gifts and food into residents’ vehicles. Supervisor Paul O’Grady, Township Clerk Cindy Murray and Township Trustee Michael Maratea attended the distribution, helping direct traffic, hand out gift cards and load vehicles.
“Every donation we received in support of the Holiday Program — gifts, clothing, gift cards and food — was proof of the wonderful community we have within Orland Township,” said Supervisor O’Grady. “The success of the program would not be possible without the generosity of the community. The donations received and the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy are a testament to the kindness and compassion within Orland Township. It is truly inspiring to see the impact that a community can make when they come together for a common cause.”
For more information on services available through Orland Township, please visit orlandtownship.org or call (708) 403-4222.
Non-perishable food items can be donated Monday - Friday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Please check expiration dates before donating!