As the holidays approach, our community comes alive with warmth, generosity, and the spirit of giving. It’s the perfect time to pause and look around at the people and organizations making a difference right here in our own community and find ways we can join in. Whether you’re donating clothes, food, or time, there are so many amazing and thoughtful ways to help support those in need. Today’s blog post is dedicated to helping make a difference in our community and highlighting ways to give back.
Chesterton And The Surrounding Area
Christmas For Teens
Although many people think angel trees are strictly for children, there are so many teenagers in need of basic items this holiday season. Angel trees help uplift and provide items for children of all ages, and this program is no different. Chesterton High School is sponsoring its annual anonymous Christmas for Teens program and is now accepting gift donations for the students. The program works like this:
Choose a tag from one of three trees:
- The first is in the lobby of the Chesterton municipal complex, 1490 Broadway
- The second at Running Vines Winery, 101 Broadway
- The third at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, 601 Gateway Blvd.
Then, purchase the gift and return the unwrapped gift with the tag to the location where you originally obtained the tag by Monday, Dec. 1.
Red Cup Café
Hunger is a year-round challenge for many, and local food drives and pantries play a vital role in ensuring families have access to nutritious meals. Red Cup Café in Chesterton is acting as a drop-off site for their local food drive. All non-perishable food donations will go to stocking Duneland’s micropantries and the Westchester Neighbors Food Pantry. Each collection box also has a QR code for making a monetary donation to the Porter County Democrats, who will distribute those funds directly to the pantry serving each donor’s place of residence.
Learn more about Red Cup Café: https://redcupcafeanddeli.com/
500 Turkeys
This organization brings joy to families in need in Northwest Indiana by providing Thanksgiving meals, all thanks to the generous support of our community. Driven by volunteers, their heartfelt goal is to distribute 1,500 meals to pre-registered families this Thanksgiving. 500 Turkeys is warmly inviting donations of food and funds, and they also welcome individuals who wish to lend a helping hand. This faith-based organization hopes to make the holiday season a little brighter for those who need it most.
To donate or volunteer: https://www.500turkeys.com/
Crown Point
The Little Pink Shop
The Little Pink Shop in Crown Point is taking part in In-Pact’s Annual Angel Tree Program, which brings joy and comfort to individuals who might otherwise spend the holidays without family or gifts. Each Angel on the tree represents someone special served by In-Pact and is accompanied by a personalized wish list of items they truly need or dream of. To take part, stop by The Little Pink Shop and pick an angel from the angel tree. It’s a simple gesture that means the world to someone in need!
Learn more about The Little Pink Shop: https://www.facebook.com/TheLittlePinkShopOnTheSquare
Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria
Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria has a heart for their community and for those in need, welcoming community members facing food insecurity and offering everyone a seat at their table with a free Thanksgiving meal. Although reservations are not required, they are accepting a limited number of reservations on their website. Community members interested in volunteering can fill out their volunteer form. Monetary donations are also being accepted, with 100% of the donations going towards dry pantry items that will be distributed to those in need, above and beyond the meals they are offering. Donations can be made here.
Michigan City
Michigan City Public Library
This month, the Michigan City Public Library is reaching out with love and compassion by collecting food for the Arise and Shine Food and Outreach Center. This wonderful organization is dedicated to helping those in LaPorte County who find themselves living at or below the poverty line, providing not just food but a vital path to self-sufficiency. Each week, they lovingly support over 100 families who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Donations can be placed in the tub under the slat wall.
Learn more about Michigan City Public Library here: https://www.mclib.org/
The Sacred Heart Food Pantry
The Sacred Heart Food Pantry at St. Mary’s provides nutritious food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, and over-the-counter medications to people in need. The pantry is also open during the evening, providing for those who work during the day but still need assistance. With 38 volunteers, they are dedicated to serving those in need in Michigan City and providing essential resources to improve the lives of individuals and families facing challenges.
Learn more about The Sacred Heart Food Pantry: https://www.qas.org/new-page
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church offers a soup kitchen for those in need. Sometimes, the most valuable gift we can give isn’t money or material items, it’s time. The church is accepting volunteers to serve meals, organize donations, or simply lend a listening ear. Food and monetary donations can also be made to the church. Spending even a few hours helping others can bring incredible fulfillment and connection.
Learn more about First Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen here: https://feedindiana.org/food-pantries/first-presbyterian-church-soup-kitchen
Giving Back
To support these local efforts, Waxi Taxi is also a collection site for several organizations to support their food pantries. While the holidays shine a light on giving, our local non-profits, food banks, soup kitchens, and charities need help all year round. Those who are looking to give back to the community should consider setting up a recurring donation or volunteering regularly. Every act of kindness counts, whether you’re donating to an angel tree, a food bank, or your local shelter. Together, we can ensure everyone has a reason to smile this holiday season and beyond.
