The Clarendon Hills Lions Club has teamed up with a local businesses for a fundraiser aimed at bringing in donations of baby and personal needs items.
“We look each year to partner with local organizations that need help,” said John Maxwell, service chairperson for the Clarendon Hills Lions Club.
The organization that the Lions Club is helping this time is People’s Resource Center, which since 1975 has been bringing people together to respond to hunger and poverty in DuPage County.
The stated mission of the organization is to respond to basic human needs, promote dignity and justice, and create a future of hope and opportunity for the residents of DuPage County.
“We’ve donated to People’s Resource Center for years,” Maxwell said. “Up until last year, it was strictly financial, but they said they really needed these types of items.”
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Examples of such items includes disposable diapers (sizes 5-7), baby wipes, baby/regular shampoo, bar soap, body wash, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, and adult diapers.
Maxwell said the Lions Club is asking that donations be dropped off Feb. 18-25 at The Open Door Taproom & Battleship, 20 S. Prospect. The fundraiser will culminate at the “Oh, Baby Bash” from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 25 at The Open Door Taproom & Bottleshop. All adults are welcome to attend. Anyone donating items or money to People’s Resource Center may present their donation receipt at the Feb. 25 event to receive a ticket for a tasting of a Hop Butcher of the World beer, Maxwell said.
He said last year was the first time the Lions Club conducted this type of fundraiser, looking for donations of items as well as money.
“It worked out well last year; we gave well over $5,000 to $6,000 of donations, and we’re hoping to do even better this year,” Maxwell said.
The Clarendon Hills Lions Club is a recognized and active chapter of the Lions Clubs International. Members volunteer their time and talents to serve others locally and globally so that those in need may have a higher level of dignity in their lives.
Nearly 26,000 DuPage residents rely on People’s Resource Center for help each year, according to information from the organization, which offers nutritious food and other basic necessities, such as clothes and rent assistance for those in need.
People’s Resource Center also connects people with resources — education and tutoring, jobs, technology, art, a caring community — to create a future of hope and opportunity for all, according to the organization.
More than 2,600 volunteers work with staff, offering time, skills, and resources to help clients and their families. Supporters contribute food, clothing, books, computers, and financial support.
Online financial donations to the Clarendon Hills Lions Club fundraiser may be made at secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=wMacpG.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.