LAKEVIEW — If your status on the good list could use an extra boost before Christmas, Lakeview's got plenty of great causes to give to this year.
Here are a dozen worthy local causes that deserve some extra holiday cheer:
Center on Halsted: More than 1,000 Chicago residents visit the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., each day for its programming and services directed toward LGBTQ members. The center helps 35,000 people each year.
Howard Brown Health Center: From HIV testing to helping patients quit smoking, Howard Brown has helped more than 20,000 people each year in the LGBTQ community. Donations can honor loved ones and help with the center's many programs at its three locations plus the Broadway Youth Center.
PAWS Chicago: Based in Lincoln Park, PAWS Chicago is a local no-kill shelter that rescued 3,156 cats and dogs last year and performed 18,290 spay and neuter surgeries. On Saturday and Sunday, donors can drop off supplies at Wilde Bar and Restaurant, 3130 North Broadway. The shelter is looking for old towels and blankets, pooper scoopers, laundry detergent, dish soap, treats and canned food for both dogs and cats.
Toys For Tots: You might have heard Toys for Tots is having some trouble getting enough toys in Chicago. To help them out, Ceres' Table, 3124 North Broadway, is collecting new, unwrapped toys for the foundation during its gingerbread house decorating party on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can decorate their own house and sip on hot cocoa (while parents can enjoy some housemade egg nog). Families that bring gifts get a free dessert voucher. Cost is $22 per gingerbread house. Call 773-922-4020 for more information.
Laugh Factory Toy Drive: Laugh Factory Chicago, 3175 North Broadway, has been collecting unwrapped gifts and blankets all month. Now through Dec. 23, anyone who "could use a little help making their family happy" can anonymously pick up what they need. Donations will be accepted through December, and donors get a pair of tickets to an upcoming Laugh Factory show.
Lakeview Pantry: This fall, Lakeview Pantry broke ground on its first permanent location, 3945 N. Sheridan Road, as its current space will be bulldozed in June. At that point, the nonprofit had raised 85 percent of its $3 million goal to buy the building. Last year, Lakeview Pantry distributed 1.6 million pounds of food, serving 4,400 households. The pantry also provides services addressing employment, health care and housing and collects donated toys for the holidays. Every dollar you donate buys 10 pounds of food.
Next Door Coat Drive: Continuing through February, Next Door will accept gently used coats to donate at 659 W. Diversey Parkway. Those who bring a coat on Jan. 9 or Feb. 13 get a free cafe drink at the shared space cafe.
Heartland Health Centers: Both Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) and state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) are collecting new toys for newborn to five-year-old patients at Heartland Health Centers. Feigenholtz is also accepting food for local pantries and winter clothes for shelters though the winter months at her office, 3223 N. Sheffield Ave.
Athenaeum Theatre: When you're 104 years old, you need a lot of upkeep, particularly if you're a theater that was once ravaged by fire. The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., is no different, and it's been working on renovating or replacing its infrastructure for the past four years. Now, to get the big stuff done, it needs donations from patrons and neighbors. With multiple theater companies, community groups and offices in the three-story building, the theater has become a staple for the community.
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