Join us in spreading joy this Christmas season. Each year, Midtown delivers a Christmas basket to every family that requests one. Volunteers and donations make that possible, and there are several ways to help.

Midtown has moved to 1510 N. Claremont Ave. We’re still running the Christmas Baskets Project, and this year delivery day starts from our new location.

Sign up to volunteer Sponsor a family

What is a Christmas basket?

It’s a tote filled with donated toys, clothing, and food. Midtown collects the donations and packs the totes, then program families, tutors, benefactors, and friends each deliver a basket or two to the homes of families in need.

It’s a meaningful way to serve local families in need, and a chance to spend time together with your family or friends.

Ways to help

1. Pack the baskets

   Saturday, December 12, 6:30am to 12pm

   At Toy Packing Day, volunteers fill bags with toys for specific families. Santa’s Helpers has organized this day for many years, and Midtown is one of the groups that takes part. We need at least 7 to 10 volunteers, and the more, the merrier.

   Academy of St. Benedict, 6020 S. Laflin St., Chicago, IL 60636

2. Donate toys

   By Wednesday, December 16

   Bring new, unwrapped toys with your student to program, or drop them off at any of these locations.

   Midtown Achievement Center, 1510 N. Claremont Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

   Metro Achievement Center, 310 S. Peoria St., Chicago, IL 60607

   Midtown-Metro office, 718 S. Loomis St., Chicago, IL 60607 (back entrance)

3. Prepare the totes with your company

   Wednesday and Thursday, December 16 and 17

   Bring a group of coworkers for a corporate volunteer project. Your team will label, fill, and check every tote, and add items where needed, so they’re ready for Saturday’s deliveries.

   Midtown Achievement Center, 1510 N. Claremont Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

   To set up a group, email Claudia Valencia.

4. Deliver the baskets

   Saturday, December 19, 8:30am to 2:30pm

   Pick up baskets at Midtown Achievement Center and deliver them to families across Chicago. We need 35 to 40 volunteers.

   Midtown Achievement Center, 1510 N. Claremont Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

5. Sponsor a family

   Anytime

   Can’t join us in person? Make a donation to sponsor a family’s Christmas basket.

   Donate

Become a corporate sponsor

Companies can support the Christmas Baskets Project financially or by donating food for the baskets. Your team can also volunteer together to prepare the totes on December 16 and 17. To become a sponsor, contact Claudia Valencia at cvalencia@midtown-metro.org.

Email Claudia

Tell us how you’ll help

Fill out the volunteer form to let us know how you’d like to take part. For more information or to confirm your participation, contact Victor Lado at vlado@midtown-metro.org.

Sign up to volunteer

Thank you for helping us share joy with our neighbors this holiday season.