As downtown Flossmoor businesses readied for some late hours on Thursday, Dec. 1, Homewood-Flossmoor High School students involved with National Honor Society and Key Club were lining the perimeter of Flossmoor Park with luminaries to light the sidewalks after dark.
Luminaries line the Brassie Avenue side of Flossmoor Park on Thursday, Dec. 1. The Flossmoor Service League sold the luminaries as a fundraiser for its annual grants. (Bill Jones/H-F Chronicle)
“It’s all just about giving back to the community and highlighting important topics and organizations,” said Jered Maltbia, an H-F student involved with NHS.
H-F NHS member Violet Quirke added, “You’ve got to keep your community strong. You have to put in the work if you want to see your community thrive.”
Homewood-Flossmoor High School, places candles in bags
on Thursday, Dec. 1, around Flossmoor Park.
(Bill Jones/H-F Chronicle)
In this case, the work was all part of Flossmoor Service League’s Light Up Your Holidays initiative. Luminaries were sold to help fund the league’s grants, which support 16 south suburban charities.
FSL President Ann Mitchell said the idea was born during the pandemic, when the league’s biggest fundraisers — the house walk and candlelight ball — were sidelined.
“When COVID hit us, we had to cancel both of them,” Mitchell said. “And the candlelight ball is our largest fundraiser.”
So in 2020, a couple of women had an idea to sell luminaries to place around town on a designated night. In addition to selling the luminaries, the league gave some to people who generously donated to their causes despite the candlelight cancellation.
“They were very generous,” Mitchell said. “We ended up with almost the same amount of donations that we would normally have seen.”
While the ball has returned, people liked the luminaries concept. So, Light Up Your Holidays endured and joined forces with the Holiday Open House.
“It morphed into this,” Mitchell said. “There is the fundraising piece of it, but we also wanted to be able to partner with the community and give back to our community in a holiday festive event.”
The placement of luminaries coincided with a Holiday Open House organized by the Flossmoor Business Association and Village of Flossmoor. Downtown businesses stayed open until 7 p.m. that evening, as the Bel Canto Community Choir performed outside.
Shops also offered specials, such as Ruby Ella Sweets giving away sleeves of popcorn to anyone who visited. Owner Shawnda DeBose said the concerted efforts by the village and FBA go a long way in drawing people to the area to learn about new businesses.
“It’s a great idea,” DeBose said. “We appreciate it.”
The shop, where DeBose sells her “old-school” candy selection to a mix of children and adults, opened in July 2021.
“It’s been going pretty good,” DeBose said. “Small Business Saturday was amazing, so I just hope it keeps up the momentum.”
Maureen Mader is similarly hoping to keep up the momentum. Mader is owner of Dunning’s Market & Deli as well as president of the FBA. She said Dunning’s has been busy with a lot of foot traffic downtown.
She also has watched the FBA grow from seven members since being revitalized in recent years to almost 45, in part thanks to new downtown businesses in the Shops on Sterling. And Flossmoor Commons is now completely full, compared to roughly 60% vacancy during the height of the pandemic.
“It’s really turned a corner,” Mader said. “It’s pretty exciting for all of us. … It’s definitely a lot more positive.”
Dunning’s has a busy holiday season on its hands with custom catering, a Christmas menu, gifts in store and special New Year offerings to follow. Mader said events such as the Holiday Open House and the Celebrate the Season kick-off for Small Business Saturday help, whether immediately or down the road.
“We see a big boost in business,” Mader said. “Even if it doesn’t translate into sales at that time, you see a lot of people coming in unaware that we’re here, what we do or what we buy. Then they’ll come back.”
Flossmoor has another Holiday Open House planned on Thursday, Dec. 8, this time for businesses in Flossmoor Commons. Roughly a dozen businesses are expected to participate by staying open until 7 p.m.
“Everyone has heard that all of the business spaces are full in Flossmoor Commons,” said Stephanie Wright, Flossmoor’s program and event coordinator. “It’s time to be a nosy neighbor and see what all of the buzz is about.”
