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Greetings!

Holiday card contest finalists (from left) Heath Lennon, Lee Muir, Grace Lawlor and Ariana Bretones.

This morning’s snowfall was a beautiful sign that the holiday season is just around the corner. Evanston students didn't need that reminder—they started getting ready in October!

Last month, I put out a call for talented young artists to submit their designs for my annual holiday card. I was delighted to receive more than 60 creative entries, from smiling mugs of hot chocolate, to a bundled up winter raccoon, to a comic strip featuring a cocoa-sipping snowman. I also received one submission from an adult portraying me as the grinch. Needless to say, that entry did not make the cut. Ultimately, I selected four finalists: Lee Muir of Nichols Middle School, Ariana Bretones of Roycemore School, Heath Lennon of Willard Elementary School, and Grace Lawlor of Roycemore School.

While all four of the artists' designs were incredibly creative, unique and fun, Lee’s submission stood out to me because of the timely message it conveyed: “Together we can make something big.”

That’s a message Evanston has taken to heart every holiday season for the last nine years during the Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book, and Toy Drive. Last year, thanks to your generosity, more than 440 customized holiday baskets were provided to Evanston families in need. Now in the 10th year of this wonderful program, I’m asking for your assistance again.

If you love the holiday card designs as much as I do, please consider purchasing one—or 100—to send to your family, friends, and loved ones this season. Proceeds will benefit the Holiday Food, Book, and Toy Drive. View the card designs.

You can also provide your support by dropping off toys, children’s books, and non-perishable food items at locations throughout Evanston, or by making a financial contribution to the Mayor's Holiday Food, Book, and Toy Drive online or by mail.

The holiday season is about much more than parties and presents; it’s about coming together as a community, supporting others, and bringing joy to those in need. Working together, I know we can make a big difference for Evanston families, and that's even more beautiful than the season's first snowfall.

Thank you for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Stephen Hagerty
Mayor, City of Evanston
shagerty@cityofevanston.org

Congratulations to Holiday Card Contest Winner, Lee Muir!

Design by Lee Muir, Nichols Middle School

Thank you to the more than 60 talented students who submitted their designs for my holiday card! While there were so many wonderful, creative entries, I selected Lee Muir of Nichols Middle School as the winner. Congratulations, Lee!

You can now purchase holiday cards featuring Lee's design and the designs of three other finalists online. Proceeds will support the Mayor's Holiday Food, Book, and Toy Drive. Thank you for making the season merry and bright for all members of our community this season!

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