‘Gifts for Guardians’ Seeking Gift Donations

Children got some help choosing gifts for their parents and caregivers last year at Christmas. –Photo submitted.

“Gifts for Guardians,” a program that gives children an opportunity to select gifts for their parents and other guardians during the holiday season, is seeking donations of new items for the youngsters to give their caregivers. The shopping event allows children to shop from donated items for their parent or guardian, so they may experience the joy of giving at Christmas.

It also recognizes and encourages struggling parents during this time of year, who often go without while sacrificing for their children’s happiness. Families/parents get to enjoy a hot cocoa bar and cookies, while the children select wrap gifts, with the help of volunteers.

The program, now in its fourth year, makes the gifts available to youngsters of individuals served by Morningstar Mission Ministries, the Forest Park Community Center, and Guardian Angel Community Services.

Katie Rabenda, an attorney in Joliet, began this giving program to offer a way for children to say thank you to the adults who care for them, as well as to teach them the joy of giving.

“I established this program a few years ago because it saddened me to think many children do not have the opportunity to experience the joy of giving. I also saw so many caregivers, who provided selflessly during this time, who were seemingly “forgotten” and wanted to allow their kids to show their love and appreciation.” Rabenda said.

Stephanie Putman is Senior Program Director with Morningstar Mission, one of the nonprofits Gifts for Guardians partners with to provide gifts for caregivers.

“Gifts for Guardians is a wonderful program that teaches children the importance of giving,” Putnam remarked. “It’s remarkable to see the joy on the children’s faces as they choose items for their loved ones.”

Suggested items include cozy blankets, travel mugs, gift cards (including, for example, food locations in Joliet, Uber, Walmart, Target, and Amazon), bath and body items, accessories – such as purses and necklaces, hat and scarf sets, headphones, family games, and art kits.

“Anything a parent may want to receive from a child would be a perfect gift, keeping in mind these guardians have limited income and may have limited space,” Rabenda said. “We are happy to receive any new items for both male and female guardians, as well as homemade gifts for children to give to their loved ones.”

Donation boxes are set up at the following locations:

• Office of Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
• Mahoney, Silverman & Cross Law Firm, 822 Infantry Drive, Suite 100, Joliet
• Joliet Public Library, Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
• Joliet Public Library, Black Road Branch, 3395 Black Road, Joliet

Additionally, giving trees will be set up in mid-November at both Joliet library branches, where you can select a needed item from the tree to donate to the program. Those wishing to contribute also may do so from the comfort of home by ordering through the Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/818gujR?ref_=wl_share

To schedule a pick-up for gifts in the Will County area, or to volunteer, email theblessingbandits@gmail.com.