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Jun 2011  |  By Mibs  |  Comments

July 2011 Give Time, Give Things, Give Support

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

Give Time

Help kids get the books they need

Bernie’s Book Bank Warehouse | 847-780-READ (7323)
berniesbookbank.org

Bernie's Book Bank collects, processes and redistributes quality new and gently used children's books to increase book ownership among at-risk children throughout Chicagoland. Bernie's Book Bank welcomes groups of four or more looking to volunteer on the weekend. Call 847-780-READ (7323) or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Support a hospice patient

Heartland Hospice | 847-991-0176
hcr-manorcare.com

This opportunity consists of visiting hospice patients to offer them companionship and support at the Northbrook Manor Care location (330 Milwaukee Ave.). Volunteer candidates should have great listening skills, a personable demeanor, and a desire to make a difference. Heartland Hospice provides specialized care that meets the needs of patients and loved ones facing the challenges of an advanced illness. Must be 18 years or older. Contact Krista Motley at 847-991-0176.

Create a quilt and comfort a child

SEWonderful Quilts | 312-307-7733
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sewers, quilters and groups can volunteer to help create a SEWonderful Quilt which will be gifted free of charge to comfort children with life-threatening illnesses. SEWonderful Quilts provides volunteers with donated, discontinued fabric, custom labels and guidelines. Contact Francine Spacek for a quilt kit.

Give Things

Donate computers, software, Flip cameras and more

Striding Lion Performance Group | 773-769-7540
stridinglion.org

Needed: 3 laptops, Garage Band Software, 1 Korg Keyboard, 3 Flip Cameras, 1 Projector, SLPG printed T-shirts for kids. Striding Lion brings arts to the classroom with its Educational Residencies. Contact Melanie Esplin at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Donate mattress sets

Boys Hope Girls Hope of Chicago | 847-920-2783
boyshopegirlshope.org

Needed: 24 new twin mattress sets, before school starts in September. American Mattress in Evanston has generously agreed to place a bulk order at $210 per set. BHGH houses and educates 24 academically-talented teenagers from disadvantaged and chaotic homes, offering these scholars an opportunity to break the cycle of abuse and poverty and reach their full potential. Contact Jennifer O’Shaughnessy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Host an exchange student

AFS-USA | 847-329-4676
afsusa.org

Needed: Warm, welcoming host homes for international exchange students. Open your heart and your home to a foreign exchange student! AFS-USA, a leading international exchange organization, needs welcome families for 6-12 weeks for students arriving in Chicago in late August. Contact Traci Larson-Lee (a Chicago native who also hosts), at 847-329-4676, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Give Support

Northwest Special Recreation Association | 847-392-2848
nwsra.org
NWSRA, which provides recreation services to adults with disabilities, offers a variety of recreation programs. The fundraising arm Special Leisure Services Foundation provides financial support for accessible transportation, inclusion, the Kevin T. Kendrigan Scholarship program, adapted equipment and Area 18 Special Olympics. Contributions made payable to Special Leisure Services Foundation can be sent to the above address. If you have questions, e-mail Brian Selders or call 847-392-2848 ext. 264.  

Avenues to Independence | 847-292-0870
avenuestoindependence.org

Avenues to Independence provides employment, residential and social services for adults with disabilities. You can help by hiring an Avenues worker, volunteering at the Thrift Shoppe, or supporting our programs. All donations directly help our people work for independence.

National Alliance on Mental Illness, Cook County North Suburban | 847-716-2252
namiccns.org

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Mental illness affects one in four American families and people in diverse communities are no exception. Your contribution will ensure minority populations receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illness.