Friday, November 20, 2020 | View in browser
My challenge to you
Every November, I ask Evanstonians to support the Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive, which provides holiday food and gift baskets to hundreds of families in need. Fortunately, thanks to your generosity in years past, significant funds are available to support our 2020 program and brighten the holiday season for many residents.
Instead, this year, I am asking you to support an even more critical initiative. I have partnered with the Evanston Community Foundation in their effort to raise $2 million in two months to assist Evanston families most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than any other disaster, the impact of COVID-19 has been unequal. While all of us have been impacted, many families have been devastated. Lives and livelihoods have been lost. Incomes have been reduced. Families and individuals are hurting.
With $1 million in matching donations already secured, this $2 million goal is within our reach, but we need your help. If you have the means, I’m challenging you to dig deep this year to assist those in our community struggling with housing, food insecurity and other unmet basic needs. Donate online or send a check to the Evanston Community Foundation, 1560 Sherman Ave., Ste. 535, Evanston, IL 60201 to make your contribution to the Evanston Community Rapid Response Fund by December 31.
Time and time again, Evanston has stepped up to help our neighbors when they need it most. Together, we can do it again. Thank you in advance for your generous support.
Sincerely,
Stephen H. Hagerty Mayor, City of Evanston shagerty@cityofevanston.org
P.S. If you’d still like to donate non-perishable food items, new and like new books, or new, unwrapped toys to the Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive, drop boxes are available at locations throughout our community. See details below.
Three ways to spread holiday cheer
Although this season will look and feel different than years past, there are still plenty of ways to get in the holiday spirit by helping others and supporting our community.
Donate items
Make the holiday season bright for our neighbors in need by dropping off new, unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items, and new and gently used children's books for holiday gift baskets as part of the Mayor's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive. View a list of drop-off locations.
Shop local
This holiday season, it's more important than ever to support the small businesses that make Evanston unique and vibrant. Consider purchasing your Thanksgiving dinner from a local restaurant. Order holiday gifts (and gift cards) from Evanston retailers. Check in with Downtown Evanston, Main-Dempster Mile, and Central Street Evanston for updates and special offers throughout the season. Your support can make all the difference.
Last year's winning holiday card design by Olivia Ohlson.
Get creative
Looking for a fun stay-at-home activity for the young people in your household? I'm calling on Evanston students (K-12) to share their unique, creative holiday card designs with the community as part of our annual holiday card contest. Submissions are due by Sunday, November 29. View contest guidelines.
Stay safe and stay home this Thanksgiving
With COVID-19 surging across the nation and hospital admissions reaching critical levels, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is at home with members of our own households. We simply cannot afford to let down our guard this Thanksgiving by attending or hosting social gatherings, which provide this deadly virus with ample opportunities to spread. Thank you for your continued efforts and sacrifices as we work together to save lives in our community. Staying home this year will help ensure that we are all able to celebrate next year.
COVID-19 Resources
City of Evanston
Cook County
State of Illinois
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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