today is a gift. that's why we call it the present...

i'm almost done with another scarf to send to operation gratitude. i'm making an identical one to match last year's (see above). their deadline is december 12 so i think this scarf might actually make it to a soldier on time! :)

i was also going to contribute some handmade mittens to mitten commitment. but upon reading more about it, i saw that the mittens will be given to the salvation army. unfortunately, i'm not too keen on donating to that charity anymore. it turns out our church donates mittens to the night ministry (see below) so i'll just send my handmade ones there too.

so, considering how donations to charities, food banks and clothing drives are down this year, due to the economy, i did a little research and found some local (chicago) charities' wishlists/in-kind donations - accepting clothing, toiletries, food or your volunteer time.... the list below is mostly secular or non-denominational (since usually those of us who belong to churches can refer to them for charities...)

something to think about in november and december, when we reflect on what we're thankful for and how we show our appreciation for all the gifts and blessings we've received and who in our neighborhood/city may not have the gifts/blessings we sometimes take for granted...

a just harvest wishlist - A Just Harvest’s mission is to reduce poverty and hunger in Rogers Park and the greater Chicago community by providing nutritious meals daily while building a just society through advocacy and collaborative relationships across racial, cultural and socio-economic lines to promote the well-being of patrons served.

apna ghar wishlist - Apna Ghar provides emergency shelter and transitional housing, along with a range of supportive services, to survivors of domestic abuse in the Chicago area. All services are free and available to survivors regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, or socioeconomic status. A large proportion of our clients are immigrants from India, Pakistan and other Asian and African countries.

boys and girls club of chicago wishlist -To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

care for real also accepts food and clothing donations - help our neighbors in the Edgewater community by providing food, clothing and counseling services to those in need.

connections for abused women and children wishlist - we provide a shelter for women and children, and counseling, advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline for people affected by domestic violence.

cornerstone community outreach wishlist - raise the quality of life for low-income residents of the United States and the rest of the world through social, educational and economic development programs that include: development & preservation of decent & affordable housing for the poor, job training & creation, educational & social programs, and feeding & sheltering the homeless.

harmony house for cats wishlist - committed to providing the highest quality care for the cats and kittens in our care

heartland alliance wishlist - advances the human rights and responds to the human needs of endangered populations—particularly the poor, the isolated, and the displaced—through the provision of comprehensive and respectful services and the promotion of permanent solutions leading to a more just global society.

housing opportunities for women wishlist - Empowering women, children and families to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

illinois dept of public health accepts food and clothing donations at any of these locations

korean american women in need wishlist -freedom from violence, towards building safe and healthy communities...

lakeview pantry wishlist - providing food to people living below the poverty level.

lincoln park community shelter wishlist - brings our community together to empower homeless men and women to make life changes.

metropolitan family services wishlist - a voice for families. With compassionate counsel and services for families struggling to overcome incredible challenges, Metropolitan makes a difference in their lives and provides hope for their future. From early childhood programs to elder care services, every family member is encouraged to work together to realize their amazing strength

night ministry wishlist - provides housing, health care, outreach, spiritual care, and social services to adults and youth who struggle with homelessness, poverty and loneliness.

paws chicago wishlist - working to build a No Kill Chicago—a city where pets are no longer destroyed just because they are homeless.

rainbow house wishlist - has provided critical intervention, compassionate care, legal assistance, therapeutic solutions, educational outreach and consistent, seamless support to women and children across the City of Chicago whose lives have been shattered by domestic violence.

rest wishlist - a comprehensive homeless services provider operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

sarah's circle wishlist - a refuge for women who are homeless or in need of a safe space. By providing housing assistance, case management, referral services, and life necessities, we encourage women to empower themselves by rebuilding both emotionally and physically; realizing their unique potential.

teen living program wishlist - offers housing, job training, educational support, mental health counseling, holistic health care, and life skills training within a community of professional and passionate support.

threads of compassion - another charity to donate homemade scarves to victims of abuse.

treehouse humane society - wishlist - promotes the inherent value of every animal and strives to educate the public about proper and responsible animal care, with a focus on the care and placement of stray cats with special physical and emotional needs.

lastly, the miss minimalist blog has a great post about where to donate your stuff nationally.... or you can use charity navigator to seek out charities by state or category, etc...

please feel free to leave links to your favorite charities in the comments! :) thank you for stopping by and reading! happy monday!