The Chicagoist 2014 Charitable Gift Guide
By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 18, 2014 8:15PM
We published our annual holiday gift guide Tuesday with a ton of last-minute gift ideas. But this is also the season for giving, so we like to offer a charitable gift guide every year as well.
Following are some charities and organizations that are dear to our hearts. You can find previous charitable gift guides here and here.
826CHI
In 2015, 826CHI will celebrate 10 years of providing 100 percent free writing instruction to Chicago youth. The creative writing and tutoring center served over 3,500 students from across Chicago last year, and after recently moving into a new space 826CHI is ready to expand its reach heading into its second decade of service. Stop by the new Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co. (1276 N. Milwaukee Ave.) for unique holiday gifts ranging from collections of student writing to stocking stuffers for your favorite spy, where proceeds help write the future of Chicago’s youth. (Full disclosure, I serve on 826CHI's Associate Board) —Jessica Mlinaric
Donate to 826CHI here.
750 Club Apartment Adoption Project
Private apartments for LGBTQ young people in need is the goal of the 750 Club Apartment Adoption Project, a new initiative launched this fall. The project—which came together at the 2014 LGBTQ Homeless Youth Summit hosted by the Windy City Times—is raising funds for the private “adoption” of apartments. Team Captains who agree to recruit 10 people to each give $75 a month for two years will have adopted one apartment for one youth for two years, which is the average minimum time agencies recommend for stabilizing a formerly homeless young person. Online donations and monthly pledges can be conducted via the AIDS Foundation of Chicago housing program website. For landlords interested in donating the use of an apartment at no or low-cost, please contact Tracey Baim to discuss options. —Tony Peregrin
Purple Asparagus
Purple Asparagus' Delicious Nutritious Adventures supports healthy habits for kids by going to local schools to teach them about cooking and nutrition. Each lesson has a different theme: pumpkin in October, Chocolate in February, even legumes! Kids get to create and taste healthy recipes while learning about the value of good food. They also bring home recipe cards so they can share their new knowledge with their families. —Carrie Laski
Donate to Purple Asparagus here.
Meet Mira, the new Chicagoist Office Manager and a rescue from Trio Animal Foundation. (Photo credit: Chuck Sudo/Chicagoist)
Trio Animal Foundation
After my dog Emmylou died in 2011 it took me a while to get in the mindset of wanting another dog, but I also believe that the dog has to pick you. Through a Facebook post from this wonderful pet rescue organization I met Mira, the new Chicagoist Office Manager, and I've been kicking myself ever since for waiting so long to find another dog. Consider donating to Trio Animal Foundation for the holidays or opening your home to any of the wonderful dogs they have up for adoption. —Chuck Sudo
Donate to Trio Animal Foundation or, better, adopt a pet from them here.
Project Onward
Since 2004, Project Onward has been changing the lives of so many people who face an array of daily challenges by nourishing creativity and giving them the space and resources to make art. Spanning ages, neighborhoods, styles, the work created there and sold in their shop is one of the most unique gifts you could give to the art lovers on your list. As a bonus, proceeds go back into Project Onward to assist with materials, spaces, instructors and exhibitions. It is a win-win-win. —Carrie McGath
Visit Project Onward's online shop here.
Anti-Cruelty Society
I am an animal lover and love to show that off with totes, shirts, mugs and other fun swag. For those with a tender heart for animals, the Anti-Cruelty Society shop is an essential stop from buying a “Cat Lady” t-shirt for your BFF, to accessories for your furry friend. You can shop online or at its Grand Avenue location, and a percentage of the sales go back into the organization so they can continue to help so many animals in need. Not sure what to buy? Give a donation as a gift to keep their good works going through 2015 and beyond. —Carrie McGath
Visit the Anti-Cruelty Society's shop here.