Did you receive a holiday gift or two that you just won’t be able to put to good use? Maybe a box of chocolates you’ll never eat or a too-small Christmas sweater without a gift receipt?
All are welcome to re-gift these and other unwanted presents and help share a bit of joy with older adults.
Leave it for Love is a gift recycling program that allows donors to drop off unwanted gifts which are then donated to seniors who oftentimes are low income and live alone.
Flossmoor resident Jennifer Molski founded the program in 2002 while living in Chicago.
“I was living in a tiny studio apartment, and I had too much stuff,” she said. “These were nice items but I wasn’t able to make good use of them. I thought there had to be a better way.”
Since its founding, thousands of gifts have been collected and distributed. Past organizations receiving the gifts include Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly in Chicago, the Pilsen Area Senior Center and the Jones Center in Chicago Heights.
This year Molski chose the Victory Centre in Park Forest to keep the gifts local and because a dear friend of hers resides in the building.
Suggested donations include toiletries, trinkets, home and holiday décor, jewelry, accessories, warm weather gear and non-perishable foods. Due to space limitations the program cannot accept books or used clothing.
This program is easy on the pocketbook, good for the environment and great for the human spirit, Molski said. A true win-win for all.
From now through the end of January gifts can be dropped off during regular business hours at the Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery at 1035 Sterling.
For more information call 312-804-0496, e-mail [email protected] or visit @leaveitforlove on Facebook.
