- Nov 2, 2018

7 SPECTACULAR | Local Places to Be Thankful For In Kane County

'TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE BACK THESE SPECIAL PLACES

VOLUNTEER OR MAKE A DONATION! ‘Tis the season to be thankful. Kane County is home to countless residents who give back in a variety of different ways through many organizations that put caring and sharing as their primary mission. Every local family has been touched by some form of hardship or been in a position of need. We are honored to share these 7 Spectacular Local Places to Be Thankful For with you this season & ask that you share them too in social media by visiting us at www.glancermagazine.com. Each is a local nonproft in need of support. Please help this season by volunteering or making a donation.

1. GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley AURORA – This nonprofit Down syndrome Achievement Center offers activities, resources, educational programs and support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Their vision is to see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities. Our mission is to increase positivie awareness of Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. www.gigisplayhouse.org/foxvalley

2. Lazarus House

ST. CHARLES – This charitable organization serves those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and connected to mid Kane County. www.lazarushouse.net

3. Mutual Ground AURORA – Founded in 1975, this NFP provides programs that focus on Safety, Healing and Prevention for domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Services include: 24/7 bilingual hot-line, emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their minor children, hospital advocacy, domestic violence victim advocacy, counseling and support groups for victims of sexual assault, medical/legal advocacy, court advocacy, information and referrals to other agencies and prevention education programs for schools and community groups. www.mutualground.org

4. Cal’s Angels St. CHARLES – This St. Charles-based 501(c)(3) is a pediatric cancer foundation established in 2007 by Tom and Stacey Sutter after losing their oldest son Cal to leukemia in 2006. During his treatment, Cal always cared about others before himself. Cal’s kindness inspired Tom and Stacey to start a foundation that would grant wishes, raise awareness and fund research to help kids fighting cancer. Watch the video to learn more at https://youtu.be/U8U8FC5irxk. www.calsangels.org

5. Between Friends Food Pantry

SUGAR GROVE–Between Friends Food Pantry of Sugar Grove provides food aid to residents living within the geographical boundaries of the Village of Sugar Grove or the Kaneland School District. Donation Drop Off Sites include Greenacre Cleaners, First National Bank, Old Second Bank, Sugar Grove Village Hall, and Paisano's in Sugar Grove and Elburn. Follow them on facebook today.

6. CASA Kane County GENEVA–Founded in 1988, CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. CASA Kane County prevents children from falling through the cracks of the heavily populated court and child welfare system. This is done by providing each child with the voice of a well-trained volunteer advocate. Meeting the needs of children is their priority. THE PROBLEM… Overwhelmed Systems. THE SOLUTION… Citizen Volunteers THE RESULTS… Brighter Futures www.casakanecounty.org

7. Fox Valley Hands of Hope GENEVA–Their mission is to enhance the quality of life and to provide hope for those experiencing grief or life-threatening illness. The professional staff and trained volunteers are community-funded, allowing them to provide the best compassionate care, free of charge. The programs are designed to provide support for adults, children, and families, regardless of age, income level, race, or religious beliefs, believing that every person in need should be given hope. #GiveMoreHope

Watch for a new, uniquely themed 7 Spectacular List inside each issue of Glancer Magazine.