On Monday, Nov. 17, Worth Township opened applications for its annual Christmas Care Program, something many families in the area have come to count on each holiday season. By mid morning into the early afternoon, 65 families had already applied. Township Manager Katie Elwood said the pace was unlike anything she has seen.
“It is crazy, unusually heavy,” she said. “Typically, we serve between 125 to 200 families each year, but this feels like it is going to be a record.”
The program supports children from newborn through age 14 and is open to residents across the township’s 12 communities: Worth, Alsip, Blue Island, Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge, Crestwood, Evergreen Park, Hometown, Merrionette Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights and Robbins. Families can apply in person or online and must provide proof of residency before pickup begins in mid December.
Elwood has worked on the program long enough to know how much it depends on the people who live here. Donations come from residents, businesses and local groups. “We cannot do it without them,” she said. “I rely on everybody.”
The early surge in applications has her hoping more people will step in to help. She has watched, year after year, what it looks like when families come in to collect their bags of toys.
“Some of the faces when they walk out, it just makes it all worth it,” she said. “It is a ton of work, but it is so worth it.”
Township staff handles the sorting and packing. Elwood described the assembly line they have built over time, a setup where every child receives four to five items based on the interests families list on their applications. Gifts go home unwrapped in large black bags so parents can prepare them however they choose.
Toys for younger children usually come in without much trouble. Items for older kids, roughly ages 10 to 14, are often harder to find. Elwood said practical and personal items, along with things tied to games or hobbies, tend to help the most. “Whatever kids are into, that is always helpful,” she said.
Some of the biggest donations come in at once. The American Legion Riders, a motorcycle group that has supported the program for years, will deliver their contribution on December 9.
Elwood said their arrival is “something to see,” and it has drawn attention from local and regional media in past years.
For families applying, the process is straightforward. Proof of residency, identification, and a utility bill, she said. “Everything we collect comes from residents in the township, so that is who we are helping.”
When asked what keeps her coming back to this work, “It’s the look on people’s faces. That is the best part.”
Pickup for this year’s program is scheduled for December 15 through 17.
The application is available online or at the township offices from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, through December 4.
Residents who wish to donate can drop off toys or make contributions at the township building, a small way to help make sure every family that applies leaves with something their kids can look forward to.
