Onward House is an outreach facility located in a low-income neighborhood (Belmont Cragin) in Chicago. It provides preschool (day care) programs, Head Start programs, after-school tutoring and social clubs, a computer lab, and a food bank and clothing depot (among other things).
The name or names you will choose (or have chosen) are from those participating in these programs. Many of the children will receive little from their families for Christmas. No other group has been given the same names. It is very important, therefore, that you select a gift or gifts for the person/persons you choose/chose and return it/them to the church by the designated date. Gifts will be brought to Onward House where there will be a Christmas party for the children. The children then take the gifts home where they will open them on Christmas day.
PLEASE NOTE: If you can’t make it to the church to drop-off your package, but would like to participate, please call Marge Kovatch at (630) 642-6421 and leave a message. Arrangements will be made.
1. There is a suggested $60-$100 price range for each name chosen. This is to keep the gifts somewhat comparable. If your personal budget doesn’t allow for this amount, and you would still like to participate, consider splitting the cost with a friend for the name you choose, OR buy a toy or gift, wrap it, put a gift label on it and write in pencil what is in the package and the age and sex for which it would be appropriate. If you would like to spend more, please take more names, preferably a family, or see Marge Kovatch. All children should receive toys. You may also purchase clothing if you wish and if you can manage to keep your cost within the price range. Needy children, especially, marked with an asterisk, should get toys and clothing, and will require spending in the higher price range. If you buy a toy that needs batteries, please include batteries in your package.
2. The name that you chose is a sticky label which is to be used on your package.
3. Please wrap gifts together in one solid box (no ribbons or bows). If you have purchased more than one gift for the same person, please try to put all gifts together in one solid box. If this is not possible, please be sure to put the name on all boxes and bind them securely together. Tape will tear the wrapping paper if it is used to hold unlike sized boxes together. If you cannot find a box that fits everything please see Marge Kovatch. We have some bags that can be used if necessary.
4. When you chose a name you were given an index card. Please write the name of the child you chose at the top followed by the number on the card. Below this, list everything (including batteries, etc.!) you bought and included in the gift for that person. Please return this card with, (not attached to), your gift.
5. Gifts must be returned to the church by DECEMBER 17th. Immediately after church that day they will be delivered to Onward House. (They can be returned earlier. Please bring them to the office if it is a weekday.)
6. If you have any questions, please call Marge Kovatch at cell (630) 642-6421. THANK YOU — and HAVE FUN!!7