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Sep 2010  |  By Sharon Krone  |  Comments

October 2010 Give Time, Give Support, Give Things

This month's picks for people, places and things with which you can make a difference:

Give Time:

Mallinckrodt/Meskill Active Adult Center of the Wilmette Park District
Wilmette

Computer skills teacher needed to help seniors learn basic computer skills, the Internet and Microsoft Word. Two hours per week. Volunteer must be a relaxed and knowledgeable computer user, with a patient and kind personality. The mission of the Center is to facilitate recreational and life enrichment opportunities for older adults, so that life might be enjoyed in all its fullness.  Contact Ruthie Brew 847-256-9623 for more details.

Young Women's Leadership Charter School
Chicago

The Young Women’s Leadership Charter School of Chicago (YWLCS), the only all-girls public school in Chicago, is looking for volunteers to serve as mock job interviewers for its 10th grade students Saturday, November 20.  In the tenth grade, YWLCS students are required to complete a 13-week field internship based on their interests, career aspirations and skill set. Prior to engaging in their work experience, students interview with a panel of staff and local professionals who evaluate their job readiness and professionalism.  YWLCS is also looking for volunteers to conduct mock college interviews.  If you’re interested in volunteering and would like more details, please contact Alex Davies at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Breast Cancer Network of Strength
Chicago

BCNS is seeking breast cancer survivors to fill volunteer positions as On-Call Peer Counselors through YourShoes, a 24/7 breast cancer support center staffed by trained survivors who know first-hand what it is like to walk in the shoes of someone who is facing the disease. Volunteers answer calls during designated shifts either at home or through an affiliate office. Peer support positions are also available for individuals who have supported a loved one with breast cancer.  To volunteer, call or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Give Support:

Greater Wheeling Area Youth Outreach
Rolling Meadows

The “Dream Maker's Program” is an opportunity for 6th through 12th graders of lower economic status to achieve academic success now and in the future. Program includes transportation to and from an after-school program for homework completion and reinforced reading, math, test-taking, organization and literacy skills. Dream Maker’s also provides search assistance with part time work/internships as well as financial assistance for higher education costs. Contributions can be mailed to 2262 Algonquin Parkway, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008.  Please contact Executive Director, Philip Herman, 847-759-0679 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.

WINGS
Palatine

The WINGS Resale Shop in Palatine, which provides $500,000 each year toward program services, was destroyed by fire in June. Your financial contribution ensures that services continue while a new shop is established and restocked. WINGS helps homeless and abused women and children with shelter, education, guidance and support. Their safe, secure living environments allow women to go to school, work, and achieve financial and emotional independence. Donations may be made on line at wingsprogram.com or mailed to Terri Channer, Director of Development, P.O. Box 95615, Palatine, IL 60095.

Lisa Klitzky Foundation
Buffalo Grove

Lisa Klitzky’s family began the Foundation in her memory after losing her to Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer. The Foundation supports adolescent cancer survivors facing long-term physical and psychological challenges in their post-treatment years through grants to the University of Chicago Childhood Cancer Survivors Center. Donations are accepted on line or by mail to The Lisa Klitzky Foundation, P.O. 5048, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.  Contact the Foundation for more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Give Things:

Lawrence Hall Youth Services
Chicago

Shop now to stock the Lawrence Hall Youth Services Holiday Drive.

Items needed include:  music, books, videos, sports equipment, gift cards for stores and fast food restaurants, board games, personal grooming kits, arts/crafts items, baby items, clothing and accessories. Lawrence Hall Youth Services provides highly specialized and individualized care for nearly 1,000 children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral challenges due to trauma, abuse and neglect.

Unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at the development office (above) or the main campus: 4833 N. Francisco Avenue, Chicago, 773-769-3500. For further information, or to request a specific child’s wish list, please call or email Kiel Galland at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Spay & Stay
Grayslake

Crafters and merchants are needed for the 4th annual Holiday Boutique, which raises funds for spay/neuter surgery for stray or feral cats and adoption services for eligible kittens.  The event will be December 4th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Lincolnshire/Vernon Hills.  Vendors will be asked to donate 20% of their proceeds from sale and 5 days post-sale to the organization.

Spay and Stay has one employee and about 75 active volunteers who coordinate a trap-neuter-return program as the humane, long-term solution to an overpopulation of free-roaming and abandoned domestic cats in Lake County.  Contact Julie Wheeler for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Battered & Abused Women and Chilren Foundation
Waukegan

Walmart gift cards needed to provide shoes for school-aged children.   BAWCF provides shelter, referrals and comprehensive educational programs for women and children who have been physically, verbally or emotionally abused. They are committed to preventing domestic violence through empowerment, intervention and education.  Special programs include Easter food basket, Mother’s Day gift baskets, scholarships, summer camp, back to school giveaways, Thanksgiving and holiday food baskets.  Donations may be made by phone, 847-244-4931 or mailed to BAWCF, 2424 Washington St., Ste #123, Waukegan, IL  60085