Mitten Tree returns to Worth Village Hall

By Joe Boyle

The holiday season is not always warm and bright for some residents who are experiencing hardship.

But providing some hats, gloves and mittens can at least give those a helping hand as Christmas approaches.

The Mitten Tree has returned to the Worth Village Hall, 7112 W. 111th St., and with it is a reminder to residents to reach out and help others. A pair of gloves or mittens and a stocking hat means much to those who require warmth on cold winter days.

Bonnie Price, who has served as the Worth village clerk since 2001, has taken it upon herself to make sure the Mitten Tree again remains a fixture for the holiday season.

“Another village clerk started this years ago and I just picked up on that,” Price said. “We haven’t done it that often lately. The pandemic hurt. But I thought let us bring it back. We already have the tree so we just have to remind the residents.”

Residents who have any new mittens, gloves, ear muffs, hats or scarves can donate them for the Mitten Tree until Monday, Dec. 12. Residents can drop off the items at the Village Hall.

The items will be hung on the tree and then donated to a charitable organization within the community for Christmas.

Price also thanked members of the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 and the Worth Lions Club, who take part in many charitable activities during the calendar year.

The Worth Park District sponsors the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event, which will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at the Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave.

Hot cocoa, cookies, ornament making, crafts, a balloon artist, and pictures with Santa will be part of the festivities. A train ride through an outdoor Winter Wonderland will also take place.

Price reminded the community that donations are being accepted for Toys for Worth Tots, sponsored by the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Auxiliary Unit 991. Donations of new, unwrapped toys, school supplies and backpacks for children from infancy to 16 years of age will be accepted.

The items can be dropped at the post, 11001 S. Depot St., during business hours before Wednesday, Dec. 14. The items will then be distributed during the annual Baskets event this month.

Post members are also collecting Christmas ornaments that will be used to decorate the trees that will be placed at the Veterans Flame Memorial at 111th and Harlem.

Residents who have a few “weatherproof” ornaments they would like to donate can drop them off at the post.

Price also said that the Worth Lions are currently selling Christmas trees on property at 116th and Harlem, which they do annually.

“They do a lot for the community,” Price said about the Worth Lions.

Price also mentioned that the Worth police will collect gift wrapping supplies (tissue paper and gift bags) for the upcoming “Shop with a Cop” event. Young students later will shop with the police for toys and clothes for Worth children in need.

“The FOP Shop with a Cop event is also held,” Price said. “The police take the kids shopping at Walmart and then they all place the items in bags for Worth children who need them.”

Price was also pleased Monday when several more mittens and gloves were dropped off at the Village Hall. She later placed the gloves and mittens on the Mitten Tree.

“I am very happy,” Price said. “We have many generous residents in the community. That is what every community needs. We have it here.”