Aurelio’s lending pantry a hand
November 19, 2012 7:30PM
Updated: December 22, 2012 6:05AM
Donate items to Operation Welcome You Home
For the fourth consecutive year, Operation Welcome You Home will be spreading Christmas Cheer at Hines VA Hospital, Timbers of Shorewood and Independence Village of Naperville.
The nonprofit needs the community’s help by donating items. Contact Judi 630-341-1222 for a list of items.
Drop off locations until Friday are: Mark Peter’s Diamond Designs, 12820 S. Route 59, Plainfield, and Lexus of Naperville, 2480 Aurora Ave., Naperville.
Naperville Park District Naperville Park Police accepting Toys for Tots
Naperville Park Police are collecting new, unwrapped toys for this year’s Toys for Tots program, hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Toys will be collected at six locations through Dec. 14. Collection sites are:
The Park District’s administration building, 320 W. Jackson Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
The Park District’s planning office, 425 W. Jackson Ave. from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Santa House, corner of Jackson Avenue and Webster Street on the Naperville Riverwalk. Santa House hours are: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1; noon-6 p.m. Dec. 2; noon-6 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23; and 4-8 p.m. Dec. 17-21.
Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Barn Recreation Center, 421 W. Martin Ave. from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon. Friday and Saturday.
South Maintenance Facility, 3415 Book Road from noon to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Toys for Tots accept only new, unwrapped toys — no stuffed animals or toy weapons. Visit www.dupage-il.toysfortots.org.
Wheatland Twp. office dropoff sit for Toys for Tots
Wheatland Township, in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps, will be both a dropoff and distributing site for this year’s Toys for Tots program. Toys and gifts are for children ages newborn to 12 years old.
Eligibility forms must be returned by Nov. 21 to qualify for the program. Toys for Tots will provide one toy for each child.
Items needed include hats, gloves, scarves, pajamas, socks, sheet sets and underclothing. Cash and gift cards also will be accepted. All donations will be taken from 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Monday to Friday until Dec. 19 at 31w236 91st St. Naperville. Call 630-851-3952 or 630-851-9740 or visit www.WheatlandTownship.com.
Aurelio’s lendin g Loaves & Fishes a hand
Prompted by news of a $15,000 funding shortfall just when a food pantry needs it the most, four local Aurelio’s Pizza places are taking up the Loaves & Fishes holiday food drive cause.
Franchise owners Celeste and Steve Wagner heard about the pantry’s loss of support after The Sun ran a story about it last month, and have established collection sites for Loaves & Fishes’ HOPE (Help Other People Eat) campaign. The endeavor aims to provide holiday dinners, plus a grocery cart full of additional groceries, for 2,000 local families.
In addition to bringing canned and non-perishable food items to the four participating Aurelio’s locations, patrons can also make donations at any of these Aurelio’s restaurants: Springbrook Square, 1975 Springbrook Square Drive, Naperville; Hobson West, 931 W. 75th St., Naperville; 6430 Main St., Woodridge; or Oakbrook Terrace, 100 E. Roosevelt Rd., Villa Park.
Thanks to partnerships with governmental agencies, a contribution of $25 will cover the cost of a complete holiday meal for a family of eight. Contributions also can be made at www.loaves-fishes.org/ways-to-give/holiday-food-drive.
