Holidays with Heart Ready to Spread Cheer to Local Families

Erie Neighborhood House is making final preparations for its annual Holidays with Heart event for families enrolled in its programs.

WHAT: Holidays with Heart provides gifts to more than 500 local children and youth. Families also enjoy breakfast, photos with Santa and holiday crafts during the volunteer-run event.

WHO: More than 500 children and youth at Erie Neighborhood House, a social service agency working to empower Chicago’s immigrant communities; over 100 volunteers from the nonprofit sector, local businesses and corporate partners

WHEN: 8:30–1:30 pm on Saturday, December 9

WHERE: Erie Neighborhood House, 1347 W Erie St, Chicago IL 60642

The holiday tradition is the result of a strong collaboration between Erie House, its volunteer network and community partners.

Children completed a wish list in November, and these lists were assigned to individuals and businesses who committed to sponsoring a kid or family for Holidays with Heart. Gifts were donated unwrapped the week of December 4–8; they are then wrapped by volunteers on Friday, December 8, and organized for the following day.

Volunteers will decorate the gym at Erie House for the Saturday morning breakfast and celebration, during which the gifts will be distributed. Additionally, families can also enjoy photos with Santa and holiday activities.

Several participating families will also receive additional support in the form of warm winter clothing and gift cards for groceries to help them make ends meet during the holiday season.