Jennings Terrace nursing home in Aurora will be host to “Cookies and Cocoa with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the home, 275 S. Lasalle Street in Aurora. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.
Co-sponsors are Lv Cares Foundation and Hand-in-Hand Humanity Haven, Aurora-based nonprofits.
LaVern Allen, Lv Cares president/CEO, said features will include free photos with Santa, treats for families and a meet-and-greet with Santa. Also, kids can write letters to Santa, elves will read stories and hourly raffles will be offered. Transportation is available on request Allen added.
He requests that attendees RSVP at lvcaresfoundation.org.
Allen said, “Lv Cares is trying to help low income families and communities with the cost of medication, so they don’t have to struggle paying for meds or food. Also we’re helping low income families with food and clothing. Through programs and initiatives, the nonprofit aims to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in the local area.”
With a strong emphasis on compassion and empathy, LV Cares strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals can access resources and services to help improve their quality of life. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, LV Cares works towards building a stronger and more resilient society.
Hand-in-Hand is an aspiring nonprofit that provides resources to individuals and families throughout the Chicagoland area.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa is the nonprofits’ second monthly collaboration. On Nov. 9, the groups held “Feast of Hope,” an early Thanksgiving dinner and winter-gear giveaway, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora. According to Allen, about 80 persons attended the sit-down version and 65 guests received home deliveries. Leftovers were sent to Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora.
Allen said the event succeeded thanks to more than 20 volunteers who contributed time and food. The menu included turkey, chicken legs, pasta, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, Puerto Rican rice, deviled eggs, corn casserole, sweet potatoes, pizza, arroz con leche, salad, green beans, chicken fajitas, pork roast, green spaghetti, beverages and homemade and purchased desserts. Plates and utensils were also donated.
According to Wesley pastor Rev. Tammy Scott, “Wesley congregants were happy to work with Lv Cares and Hand-in-Hand Humanity Haven, Inc., to provide a place for members of the community to receive a hot meal and warm clothes for winter.”
Lv Cares is a community-focused organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to those in need. Through various programs and initiatives, it aims to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in the local area,
Hand-in-Hand is an aspiring nonprofit that provides resources to individuals and families throughout the Chicagoland area.
—Al Benson