Make a child’s wish come true this holiday season! Holiday Helper is an annual program offered through Leadership and Community Connections that gives Illinois State students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to provide gifts and parties for over 250 underprivileged children in the Bloomington-Normal community. Participation is available in the following ways:
—Gift sponsorship: Volunteers can choose one or multiple children from one of five partnering local agencies to sponsor. Participants will purchase up to $40 in gifts based on the children’s three wants and needs. The unwrapped gifts are to be dropped off to Leadership and Community Connections (LCC) by November 20.
—Wrap and pack: Volunteer to help wrap the gifts donated through Holiday Helper 6–9 p.m. December 2, 3, and 4 in Prairie Room South in the Bone Student Center. Supplies for wrapping will be provided. Sign up now as these volunteer slots fill up fast!
—Holiday Helper parties: The parties will be held December 6 to distribute gifts that have been collected and to interact with the children from one of the five local agencies: Boys and Girls Club, Catholic Charities, Center for Youth and Family Solutions, UNITY Community Center, and Western Avenue Community Center. One hundred volunteers are needed for the parties to help children with a variety of activities. Shuttles to the party sites will be provided.
This program is a great way to help children in the community and spread holiday cheer! Registration for all of the above opportunities begins October 27. For more information about Holiday Helper, please call Leadership and Community Connections at (309) 438-7346.
