In this issue:  Holiday Thank You's, Making a Meaningful Gift, Gala Photos, Amazon Wish List, Jobs at Shelter and more

Thank You For Warming Our Hearts

'Tis the season...and while joyful for so many, the holidays can be a difficult and emotional time for children who have experienced trauma and are separated from their families. We strive to make their holidays special and we couldn't do it without your help. 

We are thankful for the outpouring of support from the community. School groups, faith organizations, corporations, individuals, families, foundations and volunteers...all asking, "What more can we do?" and then doing it. You have brightened the season for so many with thoughtful treats and personal gifts, warm winter coats and holiday traditions.

We are grateful for all who share our mission and support us--not just during the holidays but all year long. We are hopeful that while there is still much to do, we can accomplish great things if we continue to work together. 

Holiday "cheers" to all of you and all that you do for Shelter!

Light Up Your Holidays for decorating our homes this holiday season (pictured below)

Discover PWIR team for collecting winter coats for the children and families at Shelter, Inc. (pictured below)

Kilwin's in Arlington Heights for featuring Shelter, Inc. as a recipient in their December Month of Giving

Terrazzo & Marble Supply Co. for donating beautifully decorated Christmas trees and holiday gifts (pictured below)

St. Alphonsus School for hosting a hat and glove drive

Northwest Circle of Friends for hosting a gift card drive and donating hats and gloves for kids in our programs

Pavlis Furs for hosting a winter coat drive

John Hersey High School's Empower Me Club for hosting a winter gear drive and Lori Pixler, the club's sponsor, for hosting a cookie sale fundraiser to benefit Shelter, Inc.

IAB Solutions LLC for hosting a toy, book and diaper drive

Wheels for sponsoring Shelter Inc.'s annual Healthy Families Holiday Party and TeacherCare for volunteering on December 14 at the Rec Plex in Mt. Prospect. 

Basket Brigade of Northwest Suburban Chicago for dropping off baskets of Thanksgiving food for our Emergency Group Homes and Transitional Living Program (pictured below)

Thank you Terrazzo & Marble Supply Co. for designing and donating beautifully decorated Christmas trees and holiday gifts for Shelter Inc.'s Group Homes, Transitional Living Program Home and administrative office. Staff got creative and competitive with their designs which included a Barbie Tree (pictured below)! Which one is your favorite?  

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE:
Zurich, Champro, Advocate Children's Hospital, Chicago Fire Department, Rolling Green Country Club, Church of the Cross, Collier RV Lake County, KeHe Distributors and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Thank you to all of the individuals and families who participated in our winter coat and holiday gift drives.

THANK YOU GRANTORS
EcoLab Foundation
Enterprise

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A Message from Joseph
Child & Youth Care Worker at Shelter's Buckholz Group Home

Dear Friends,

Every day I see first-hand how compassion, support and care changes the lives of kids in crisis. The young people who walk through our doors face tougher times than most adults ever will. In the face of adversity, these kids need more than just a roof over their heads; they need care, understanding and a sense of security. They need someone to be there for them, both in action and in understanding.

Shelter, Inc. is there. Through our words and actions, we show the young people in our care that they are not alone on their journey and that we believe in a brighter future. 

You can show them that you care about their future too. Please consider making a gift to our Annual Fund. Your contribution can make a difference by providing safe and stable homes where children can heal, and mental health counseling and skill-building programs to help children thrive. Please join me in going beyond for our kids. I know that together we can change lives.

Thank You for Making Our Gala a Great Success!
Because of your generous support, we raised $225,000! 

Thank you to all who supported Shelter Inc.'s 36th annual Home is Where the Heart Is Gala. It was a night of pure imagination!

The critical funds raised from sponsorships, ticket purchases, raffles, auctions, and donations will help us provide emergency housing for children in crisis, offer counseling services for young people who are suffering from trauma, support foster families with essential items, provide one-on-one support to new parents, help our youth experiencing homelessness and so much more. We are so grateful!

A special thank you to our emcee, Regina Waldroup from NBC5 Chicago, our Honorary Chair, Eric Rieger, Founder/CEO of WEBIT Services, Buckholz Award recipient Yeulanda Degala, Founder/CEO of the Good Neighbors Network, and to our devoted Shelter Champions and volunteers.  

Looking for an easy way to make a big impact when shopping for the holidays?

Purchase items on Shelter's Amazon Wish List and have them sent directly to our office. Many kids come to Shelter, Inc. with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. Help them feel safe and comforted through your purchase of new sheets and blankets, personal hygiene essentials, toys, books and more. This list is frequently updated and includes our most urgent needs.

There is still time to make a donation to Shelter's holiday gift drive.

With your help, we can bring joy to children, young adults, and families in our care.

Our supplies are running low!

Please help us restock our shelves with new children's books in English and Spanish, new toys for kids of all ages, arts supplies and diapers/pull-ups. Drop off donations at the Shelter, Inc. office (1616 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights), Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm. Contact Zoe at zmcgrath@shelter-inc.org if you have questions.

If you share our vision that all children grow up in safe and nurturing homes, please support us today.