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12th District E-Newsletter
Wednesday, November 24

Dear Neighbor:

With the holiday season now upon us, I wanted to wish you and your loved ones a warm and happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a time to remember not only how fortunate we are but also remember the neighbors in our community who need our help, particularly during this time of year. Not-for-profit organizations are stretched thin as the demand for services remains steady and resources and donations dwindle. Please consider donating to or volunteering at one of our local charities and giving back to someone in need. I have included some of these organizations in this e-letter.

After the holiday, I will return to Springfield for the second week of the veto session. We have a full agenda with pertinent issues ranging from human rights to the state budget. I will be sure to update you as soon as the week wraps up.

Until then, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Very truly yours,

Sara Feigenholtz
State Representative
12th District

  • Operation Mitten
  • Holiday Giving
  • Community Events

  • Operation Mitten

    The Lake View Citizens' Council has been keeping neighborhood children warm for over 20 years through "Operation Mitten." Send monetary donations or winter clothing items (hats, scarves, mittens and coats) to LVCC at 3355 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60657. All items will be donated to children from financially challenged homes. Any donation you can make will be greatly appreciated!


    Holiday Giving

    Lakeview Pantry
    3831 N. Broadway, (773) 525-1777
    1414 W. Oakdale, (773) 404-6333

    The Lakeview Pantry continues to feed families in our neighborhood and is approaching the busiest season of the year. Donations of clothing, non-perishable food items, office supplies and household items can be dropped off at either location. For drop-off times and more information on what items can be donated, click here. Monetary donations are also appreciated and can be donated either online or by check.

    Please also consider giving a few hours of your time - volunteers are needed almost every day to do things such as sort clothing, package food, distribute items, and do home deliveries. Volunteer information can be found here.



    Thresholds
    4101 N. Ravenswood, (773) 572-5500

    Thresholds provides a comprehensive, individualized program of mental health services that include psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery programs, outreach programs, housing, educational advancement, social opportunities and employment services. The organization is committed to the use of "Evidence-Based Practices" that are validated by the most up-to-date research. Most programs are covered by Medicare and Medicaid or private insurance. Those seeking services must meet certain eligibility requirements for various programs, and not all people are eligible to receive services.

    Donate



    The Night Ministry
    4711 N. Ravenswood, (773) 784-9000

    The Night Ministry, a non-denominational, non-profit organization, has served Chicago's most vulnerable citizens since 1976. They accept people where they are regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or social status and serve countless individuals in and around the Lakeview neighborhood. Their programs fall into two categories - Outreach & Health Ministry and Youth Services.

    Volunteer or Donate



    Center on Halsted
    3656 N. Halsted, (773) 472-6469

    The Center on Halsted brings a wide array of LGBT organizations and resources in Chicago together to collaborate, share resources and extend their reach. As the most comprehensive LGBT community center in the Midwest, the mission is simple: In a safe and nurturing environment, the Center on Halsted serves as a catalyst for the LGBT community that links and provides community resources and enriches life experiences.

    The Center offers support networks and programming to meet the cultural, emotional, social, educational and recreational needs of the LGBT community and friends. Current services include support groups for youth and seniors, mental health services, an info line for LGBT individuals and a hotline for HIV and STD concerns, prevention, treatment, and advocacy related to domestic violence, community technology center providing internet access and technology training and a range of life-enrichment programs.

    Volunteer or Donate



    Counseling Center of Lakeview
    3225 N. Sheffield Ave., (773) 549-5886

    The Counseling Center of Lake View is a private non-for-profit organization committed to the provision of quality, comprehensive, mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence services for the residents of the Lake View and adjacent communities. The Center is especially concerned about the development of services for population groups traditionally under-served by mental health and substance abuse providers. The Center has developed programs for Spanish-speaking individuals, substance abusers, children and adolescents, homeless youth, older adults, post-hospitalized psychiatric patients, and persons with a long term mental illness.

    The Center is committed to a flexible service-delivery approach with maximum accessibility tailored to individual service needs. This approach incorporates low fees based upon a discount schedule, individual advocacy, outreach, and maintenance of cooperative relationships with other institutions and resources in the community. The vision includes advocacy for policy reform as well as community education regarding the social service needs of clients.

    Donate



    Anixter Center
    6610 N. Clark St., (773) 973-7900

    Anixter Center's mission is to enhance the ability of individuals living with or at risk of disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in the community. Having merged with three non-profits (CALOR, Chicago Hearing Society, and the National Lekotek Center), Anixter Center is now the 13th largest nonprofit in Chicago, providing services to more than 5,000 children and adults. These services include education, employment, life skills, communication, recreation, health care, counseling, and support. Most of the people who receive services have a significant disability - physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, psychiatric, or HIV/AIDS-related, with many individuals having more than one disability and also having low incomes. In addition to providing services, Anixter Center advocates for the rights of people with disabilities to be full and equal members of society.

    Volunteer or Donate



    St. Vincent de Paul Center
    2145 N. Halsted St., (312) 943-6776

    Sponsored by the Daughters of Charity, St. Vincent's provides vital programs and services in the areas of child development, social services, outreach to the homeless and services for the elderly. St. Vincent's provides care for over 440 children, including NAEYC accredited early childhood education programs, kindergarten programs, and a before/after-school/summer camp program. The Center provides outreach, assistance and case management for more than 100 low-income, isolated and mobility-limited Chicago seniors as well services to homeless individuals and those in danger of becoming homeless through preventive measures, provides basic needs items and services to clients, and connects clients with programs and services, such as housing and job training, that will improve their situations.

    St. Vincent de Paul Center strives to carry out its services and programs in the Vincentian tradition of compassionate charity while serving the community with dignity and respect.

    Volunteer or Donate



    Christopher House
    2507 N. Greenview Ave., (773) 472-1083

    Christopher House is a catalyst for strengthening and empowering low-income children and their families and provides a web of support that helps families become self-sufficient and allows communities to become stronger. Christopher House helps children through programs that enhance their cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development enabling them to succeed in the classroom and in life, working with their parents to provide educational, financial, and emotional support to help them to build strong families. These programs are dynamic, innovative, creative, and designed to improve the quality of family and community.

    Volunteer or Donate


    Community Events

    Lincoln Park Zoo, ZooLights
    November 26-28, December 3-5, December 10-12, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    Nightly from December 17 - January 2 (closed December 24-25), 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

    ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo returns for another year and is admission is free. This neighborhood favorite features ice carving demonstrations, crafts, lights, and Santa. Visit the zoo's website [link: http://www.lpzoo.org] for more information on special events, including animal meet and greets for younger children.


    44th Ward Property Tax Assistance Clinic
    Wednesday, December 1, 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    44th Ward Service Office, 1057 W. Belmont

    Alderman Tom Tunney and the Chicago Tax Assistance Center are hosting a clinic to help homeowners understand their tax bills. CTAC representatives will verify that you are receiving all eligible exemptions, explore payment plan options, provide options for lowering the assessed value of the property or tax bill for 2010 and assist in completing forms and documentation. Be sure to bring the second installment of your 2009 property tax bill.


    Rink at Wrigley
    December 1 - February 28
    Clark and Waveland

    Last year's inaugural Rink at Wrigley is back and improved! Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. until 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. A Grand Opening celebration is planned for Saturday, December 4, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. and will be open to the community free of charge followed by an open skate. Monday through Thursday, admission is $5 per adult and $3 per child. Friday through Sunday, admission is $10 per adult and $6 per child. Tickets may be purchased on site for the morning, afternoon or evening sessions and skate rentals will be available for an additional fee. Proceeds help to offset the cost of the rink.


    Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, Holiday Party & Silent Auction
    Thursday, December 9, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon

    Join the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the holiday season! LPCC is collecting toys to be donated to the Juvenile Protective Association and can be dropped off early at the LPCC office (1925 N. Clybourn, Ste. 301). Your toy donation will also get you a raffle ticket, with dozens of great raffle prizes and silent auction items from local businesses. If you are interested in serving as a food vendor, donating a silent auction/raffle prize, or have additional questions, email Katie at [email protected]. For more information and to register for the event, visit the LPCC website.


    Lake View East Chamber of Commerce, Lake View East Shopping Extravaganza
    Saturday, December 11, 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

    Save the date for the Lake View East Chamber of Commerce's Shopping Extravaganza! This Lake View East Chamber of Commerce event will feature a Holly Jolly Trolley (and even some karaoke), 25% off all Lake View East Gift Card purchases, free gift wrapping, carolers, and many more treats from local merchants. Spend $300 and you'll receive a free $50 gift card. Please participate in this fun way to support our local businesses!


    Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, Budget Town Hall
    Tuesday, December 14, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
    DePaul Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield, Room 120-B

    Commissioner Gainer created a 'Citizens' Guide to the Cook County Budget' to provide a road map for taxpayers to the $3.5 billion dollar annual budget. After consistently hearing from her constituents, local neighborhood groups and Chambers that good information on the County budget was impossible to find, Commissioner Gainer organized a presentation that breaks down the $3.5 Billion dollar budget into information people really need: where does the money come from, where does it go and who makes the decisions about how to spend it. This town hall is sponsored by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, Lake View Citizens' Council, Wrightwood Neighbors, 43rd Ward United Organization, Sheffield Neighborhood Association, Park West Community Association, among many others.




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