Lake Forest and Lake Bluff residents looking to help neighbors this Thanksgiving and December have several local options, whether they can give money, time or supplies.

Here are six organizations with active holiday programs and year-round needs.

Fill a Heart 4 Kids

This Lake Forest nonprofit partners with 87 schools and social service agencies and serves more than 4,800 children during the holidays, according to its website. The children it supports face poverty, homelessness or abuse.

The organization runs several holiday campaigns. Its Thanksgiving "Gobble Gobble" sponsorship lets donors fund breakfast bags ($15), snack bags ($15), food boxes ($40) or $10 McDonald's gift cards. A separate winter break sponsorship covers breakfast bags ($20), snack bags ($20) and food boxes ($50).

Project Warm provides fleece-lined winter coats ($11–$14), mittens and hats ($11–$15) and sherpa-lined blankets ($25). Toiletries 4 Dignity kits cost $15 each.

Volunteers can sign up for Project Elf sessions to make cards, wrap gifts, fill goody bags and assemble bracelet kits. The organization also invites school groups to decorate coloring sheets that go inside Thanksgiving and winter break food boxes. Email [email protected] for details.

Residents who want to help without spending money can donate paper grocery bags with handles, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 1 Market Square Court in Lake Forest. The organization does not accept carryout or clothing bags.

Mothers Trust Foundation

Mothers Trust Foundation provides assistance to children of low-income families in Lake County, according to its website. Its Teen Board Coat Drive runs during October and November 2026. Drop-off locations and hours were not listed on the foundation's events page as of Nov. 10.

The foundation's Holiday Gift Wrapping event is scheduled for Dec. 12 at Gorton Center, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to its events page. Details on how to participate had not been posted as of Nov. 10. Check the foundation's website for updates.

Bernie's Book Bank

Based in Lake Bluff, Bernie's Book Bank has distributed more than 29 million free children's books since 2009. The organization says it sources, processes and distributes each book for less than $2.

Volunteers sort and pack books at the Lake Bluff facility. The organization welcomes individuals, families and groups, according to its volunteer page. Check the website for available session dates and times.

Northern Illinois Food Bank

The food bank operates a North Suburban Center at 13950 Business Center Drive in Lake Forest. Volunteers sort and pack food across multiple weekly shifts, according to the organization's volunteer calendar.

Children ages 8 and older can volunteer for food sort and pack shifts. Grocery distribution shifts require volunteers to be at least 12. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older. Chaperone ratios are one adult per four children ages 8–13 and one per 10 for ages 14–17. Closed-toe shoes are required.

Groups of more than 20 should complete a team reservation request through the food bank's volunteer site. Smaller groups can register online.

The food bank says every $1 donated provides $7 worth of groceries, according to its website.

Runners can also support the food bank at the Long Grove Turkey Trot 5K/8K on Nov. 27. Use code NIFB2026 for 10% off registration.

West Deerfield Township Food Pantry

The West Deerfield Township Food Pantry serves residents of Deerfield, Bannockburn and portions of Lake Forest, Highland Park and Riverwoods. It distributes non-perishable food, cleaning products and personal care items. During December, each recipient household receives a holiday gift.

Cash donations go toward grocery store gift cards. The pantry especially welcomes cleaning, personal care and paper products because food stamps cannot cover those items. Contact the township office at 847-945-0614 or [email protected] for donation details.

Lake Forest Open Lands Association

Lake Forest Open Lands runs year-round conservation volunteer programs. Its Shaw Prairie Stewards meet every Saturday morning at Skokie River Nature Preserve. ECO-Crew offers monthly stewardship sessions, and Adventures in Restoration runs weekly restoration projects.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The organization also arranges group outings for schools, scout troops and corporate teams. Contact Sarah Jantsch at [email protected] to learn about upcoming sessions.

These organizations accept support beyond the holiday season. Fill a Heart 4 Kids delivers more than 3,300 weekend meals year-round, and the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry distributes supplies monthly.