Ways to Give Other Than Gifts

After compiling your long holiday wish list for Santa and figuring out how many pricey gifts you can afford for friends and family, you may want to think of ways to give to the less fortunate.

Patch has done all the research and has come up with ways Oak Forest residents can either donate time, items or money to local charities.

Today, we fill you in on ways you can serve others or give some of your time.

South Suburban PADS

Who's in charge?    Dawn Thrasher. 708-754-4357 

What can I give?    Services as a cook or chauffeur; gift cards

When can I give?     Every day, Christmas day

Where do I go?     414 W. Lincoln Highway, Chicago Heights

Dawn Thrasher of South Suburban PADS, said she's looking for people to provide desserts, side dishes and beverages on Christmas as PADS provides dinner for guests at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 8607 S. Naragansett in Burbank.

If cooking isn't your cup of tea, Thrasher said they are also looking for people to transport their guests to the dinner and then to a shelter after dinner. If you're interested in donating food or beverages call Linda Seyller at 708-857-1039 and if interested in transporting guests call Thrasher at 708-754-4357.

Drivers are needed at 5 p.m. to transport people from Our Savior to Salem United Church of Christ at 97th Street and Kostner Avenue in Oak Lawn.

Drivers are also needed at 7 a.m. to transport people from Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest and from Living Springs Church in Glenwood to Emmaus Community Church in Chicago Heights.

Drivers are also needed at 6 p.m. to transport people from Emmaus to Hazel Crest Community Church in Hazel Crest, and to Flossmoor Community Church in Flossmoor and to Community Mennonite Church in Markham.

If you're feeling monetarily generous, PADS is always looking for gift cards from places like Walmart and Target to help provide household items for people in the PADS housing program. Gift cards can be dropped off at the shelter.

Crisis Center for South Suburbia

Who's in charge?   Lisa 708-429-7255  ext. 124.

What can I give?    services, items off the center's wish list

When can I give?     by Sunday, Dec. 11

Where do I go?     Tinley Park Public Library, 7851 Timber Dr., Tinley Park

Lisa, volunteer coordinator for The Crisis Center for South Suburbia, said the center is always looking for volunteers and donations year round, but there is also a holiday wish list. Items can be dropped off at the Tinley Park Public Library by Sunday, Dec. 11.

Southwest Community Services Inc.

Who's in charge?   Sandy Sorrentino 708-429-1260 ext. 1243  

What can I give?   Volunteer services for weekly bingo games (must be18 and older)

When can I give?     Every Tuesday, 3-9 p.m.

Where do I go?    Southwest Community Services Inc., 6775 Prosperi Drive (across from Car Max) in Tinley Park

Sandy Sorrentino said Southwest Community Services is always looking for volunteers to assist at its weekly bingo game. She said volunteers can serve anytime from 3 to 9 p.m.

Southwest Services also has a wish list for crafting supplies, CDs, wheelchairs and, especially, paper goods.

The Bridge Teen Center

Who's in charge?   Priscilla Steinmetz 708-532-0500  

What can I give?  Volunteer work with the teens or behind the scenes

When can I give?     Year-round

Where do I go?    The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court in Orland Park

Co-founder Priscilla Steinmetz said there are four ways to volunteer at The Bridge Teen Center.

Facility volunteers don’t work with the teens, she said. They are administrative volunteers.

Program volunteers put on programs for the teens.

Bridge volunteers work on a steady basis with the teens. “They interact with the students directly,” she said.

The center also is starting up a mentoring program. “We didn’t think we’d be adding services this quickly,” Steinmetz said.

There are also opportunities for high school students to volunteer as part of their community service obligation.