If you won’t be sharing gifts with family this year, maybe you’d like to share with others?

Respond Now, the helping agency in Chicago Heights, is going to spread cheer to approximately 700 children this year by presenting them with gift cards from Target or Walmart.

Sue Perkins of Flossmoor, who is heading up the Christmas program, said the annual gift give-away has been happening for 49 years until this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know that the gifts provided (by Respond Now) are often the only Christmas presents the children receive. In these difficult times, that could definitely be a possibility this year,” Perkins said.

Under normal circumstances, Respond Now would be collecting toys for children and gifts for teens, but the agency is hoping it can fulfill their holiday wishes with gift cards in $20 amounts. 

Cards or donations can be sent to Sue Perkins, 2237 Flossmoor Road, Flossmoor, IL 60422 by Dec. 7.