The Hope and Friendship Foundation is gearing up to help those in need over the holidays – and is seeking help from the community to share, donate, cook and volunteer.

“I am determined that Hope and Friendship will better Christmas for hundreds of friends within our arm’s reach,” said the foundation’s founder/organizer, Terri O’Neill-Borders. “I am predicting we easily surpass 60 home deliveries and provide a fully cooked Christmas dinner for at least 300 friends.”

To help Hope and Friendship achieve that goal, O’Neill-Borders asks, “How can you jump-start that Christmas spirit that is within you?”

Here are a few suggestions for how you can help:

Shop and donate “Care Box” items now through Dec. 21

The Hope and Friendship Foundation plans to accompany each delivered Christmas dinner with a care box filled with personal care and cleaning products.

Drop off donated items in a bin located at the lobby of the Lemont Police Department on 127thSt. or the lobby of the Lemont Township office at 1115 Warner St. (behind Chipain’s) no later than Dec. 21. Care box donations (suggested but not limited to) may include:

• Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, mouthwash, hairbrushes, soap, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, cologne, face wash, acne pads, kids-themed personal products, hand/body lotion, nail polish remover, facial tissue, cotton swabs
• Dish detergent, laundry detergent, softener sheets, disinfectant wipes, multi-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, rags, mops, brooms, air freshener (spray or solid), candles, paper towels, paper napkins, paper plates

Help sort care box items Thursday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 22 at Lemont Township

From 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, volunteers will gather at the Lemont Township offices at 115 Warner Ave. to organize and sort items for the care boxes.

From 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 22, volunteers will gather at the township offices to create the care boxes for delivery on  Christmas Day. Donations of personal care and cleaning items are welcome both days.

Supply and Share on Christmas Day

If you are preparing a meal for family and friends on Christmas Day, O’Neill-Borders suggests that you prepare one extra helping (for four to six people) and place it in an airtight container to share with a family in need.

“I simply cannot express how much this gift of prepared food means to these friends,” she said. “You are giving something they either cannot afford or are not physically able to prepare.”

What else can you do to help on Christmas Day?

• Drop off cooked and packaged food (side dishes, potatoes, pastas, veggie dishes, fruit, bread, drinks and desserts) between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Christmas Day at the Lemont Township office.
• Help pack Christmas dinner boxes between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. at the township office.
• Help deliver a Christmas dinner and care box on Christmas Day at 3:30 p.m.
• If you would like to help but cannot physically participate, you may send a donation for Christmas Day delivery and emergency assistance to: Hope and Friendship Foundation, 721 Hickory St., Lemont, IL  60439.

For more information or to volunteer, contact O'Neill-Borders at hopeandfriendship@comcast.net.

Hope and Friendship Foundation, a 501 3C Public Charity, is a source of assistance for those in the community who are struggling to make ends meet.

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