The Giving Gift: 52 Weeks of Donations

We’ve done it! Our goal was to donate to 52 Chicago non-profits in 52 weeks and this blog marks our final week. We couldn’t have done it without all your great suggestions of local non-profits and we thank you for donating along with us over the past year.

For our final blog, we’ve chosen a great organization in Lincoln Square that works tirelessly to keep pets and their families together during times of financial hardship. Friendship Pet Food Pantry (FP2) provides pet food to Chicago residents in need. They keep their shelves stocked by accepting donations from the public and partnering with area businesses. Anyone who lives in Chicago is eligible for assistance; there are no income or other eligibility requirements. Just stop in during business hours and let them know what you need. The pantry is located at 2733 W. Lawrence in Chicago.

Join us this week in making a monetary donation to FP2. Donations such as this will enable them to purchase much needed pet food and supplies. FP2 also welcomes donations of dog and cat food, as well as cat litter, treats, toys, beds, bowls, collars and leashes. Check their website for drop off locations and times.

The Giving Gift Week One Donation: Alive Rescue

2/24/14

Alive Rescue is an animal rescue group based in Chicago that protects the lives and welfare of animals. They believe every animal has the right to a well-balanced, socialized and fulfilled life. They take on the responsibility to save, rehabilitate and place abandoned, abused and stray animals in Chicago-land homes.

Please join us in our donation. This is a fabulous group with a great heart.


The Giving Gift Week Two Donation: Rain Dog Rescue

3/3/14

This week AMC would like to help “find the way home” for dogs caught in the rain by making a donation to Rain Dog Rescue.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with this rescue & know firsthand what a big impact a few dedicated volunteers can make. One of our favorite Rain Dog Rescue patients has to be the lovable Gooney McLovin (seen in the picture with Dr. Solomon to the left). Gooney is still searching for his forever home, so make sure to check out his bio page and pictures after clicking on the donation link below. All donations, either time or money, go to help great dogs like Gooney.

Rain Dog Rescue’s mission is to create “the way home” for Chicago’s traditionally overlooked canines. They focus on canines considered to be a challenge due to their medical issues, behavioral challenges or breed that need extra attention, care, training and time to become healthy, confident, well-mannered adoptable family pets.

Go to Rain Dog Rescue if you’d like to join us in our support of this amazing group of volunteers.


The Giving Gift Week Three Donation: One Tail at a Time

3/10/14

One Tail at a Time is a no-kill all breed dog rescue organization that serves to lower the euthanasia rates in greater Chicago area and provide education on the humane treatment of companion animals. This rescue concentrates its rehabilitative efforts on dogs that are in immediate danger of being euthanized, physically or emotionally harmed. After the rescued dogs receive appropriate medical care and love, these pets are temporarily placed in foster homes until their permanent home is found.

A great organization, with a great mission! Please join in our support of One Tail at a Time by donating today.


The Giving Gift Week Four Donation: The Night Ministry

3/17/14

In this week’s Giving Gift blog we’re shifting gears and spotlighting The Night Ministry, a Chicago nonprofit that deals firsthand with Chicago’s ever present homeless population. If you’ve lived in Chicago for any length of time you’ve most likely seen their blue and white Health Outreach Bus around the city. Last year alone on the health outreach bus; Individuals received services more than 55,000 times, 1,200 individuals received free medical care, 475 meals were served by volunteers and 588 individuals received an HIV test. But the bus is just one aspect of this 38 year old organization. They also offer short-term housing, health care, pregnancy and parenting programs, transitional living, and a human connection to Chicago adults and youth struggling with poverty or homelessness.

Please join us this week in supporting this great organization by making a donation. To learn more about The Night Ministry and how you can get involved, click here.


The Giving Gift Week Five Donation: Kids In Danger

3/24/14

Many of our clients are parents not only to a pet, but also to young children. That’s why we’ve picked Kids In Danger (KID) as this week’s Giving Gift recipient.

KID is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children by improving children’s product safety. They were founded in 1998 by the parents of sixteen-month-old Danny Keysar who died when a portable crib collapsed around his neck in his Chicago childcare home. Although the portable crib had been recalled five years earlier, word of its danger had not reached Danny’s parents, caregiver, or a state inspector who visited the home just eight days before Danny’s death.

KID’s mission is to promote the development of safer products, advocate for children, and educate the public, parents, and caregivers about dangerous children’s products. If you are the parent of a young child, we highly suggest you visit their website to learn about product hazards and what you can do to keep children safe.

Join us this week in donating to this great cause by clicking here.

If you do not wish to donate money, consider donating your time. Volunteer today!


The Giving Gift Week 6 Donation: Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry

3/31/14

A few weeks ago one of my veterinary technician’s daughter, Emma Smith, spent a Saturday at Animal Medical Center of Chicago shadowing our veterinarians. Ten year-old Emma had a great time helping us care for our patients. She especially enjoyed giving the dogs and cats Gerber baby food to make their visit here more enjoyable.
Just recently she sent me a thank you note for allowing her to spend the day with us. The thank you note included a painting of hers with a $10 bill scotched tape to the back with the request that we buy more baby food for our patients. Well, Emma we are going to do more than that. We decided to match your donation and a little bit more and give it to Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry to buy more baby food for people and their pets in need.

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry provides nutritious groceries, produce, meat and dairy products to over 15,000 families in Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities in Cook county. Please join Emma and AMC in supporting this wonderful organization. Donate today!


The Giving Gift Week 7 Donation: Safe Humane Chicago

4/7/14

This week we’re going to focus on an organization that works to make Chicago a safer place by finding links between people and pets. Safe Humane Chicago(SHC) is based on the principle that a humane community is a safer community. SHC was founded to make communities safer by reducing violence for our children and companion animals. They focus on education, advocacy, and second chances for at-risk youth and animals.

SHC has become a leading resource for education and training about the benefits of the human-animal bond through four key programs:

  • Lifetime Bond: Programs such as their Illinois Youth Center Program, Internship Reentry Program, and Neighborhood Training Classes
  • Youth Leaders: A program developed at Walter Payton College Prep and taken to Lindblom Academy in which high school students and Ambassador Dogs take positive messages of safe, humane communities to elementary schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods and teach about issues related to animal welfare and safety.
  • Collaborative Justice: Includes Court Advocates who track and monitor criminal cases involving animal abuse and neglect, training for law enforcement and court personnel in humane laws and procedures, and resources for effective prosecution and sentencing.
  • Community Outreach: Venues for taking the positive messages of the human-animal bond to disadvantaged neighborhoods, teaching community members about safety around dogs, and partnering with other groups to offer health and wellness clinics for companion animals.

We’re proud to call Safe Humane Chicago friends and have enjoyed seeing first-hand the positive impact they are making in Chicago. Please join us this week in donatingto this amazing organization. If you are unable to donate, please consider volunteering with one of their many programs.


The Giving Gift Week 8 Donation: RTW Veteran Center

4/14/14

Established in 2010, RTW Veteran Center was built by veterans to help veterans. But, since their conception they’ve rapidly expanded to help many others. They pride themselves on being the link between Chicagoans who have enough to those who need help. RTW assists in making the world a better place through:

  • Direct Programs: Computer Labs, Gardens, Food Kitchens, and Clothing Programs.
  • Indirect Programs: Getting people into the Wick, Medicaid, and drug Rehab Programs.
  • Opportunity Programs: Helping others get employment, and other opportunities.

Join us during week 8 in helping RTW Veteran Center support Chicago’s veterans, youth, and general public in need by making an in-kind donation. If you are unable to donate or would like to do more, consider volunteering to assist RTW Veteran Center with their many programs.


The Giving Gift Week 9 Donation: Back on My Feet Chicago

4/21/14

With nicer weather on the horizon many Chicagoans have running on their mind. Whether it’s training for the Chicago Marathon in October or doing a shorter 8K like PAWS Chicago Run for Their Lives in June, it’s clear Chicagoans love running. That’s why we’ve chosen Back on My Feet Chicago (BoMF) as this week’s giving gift recipient.

BoMF is a national for-purpose 501(c)3 organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so they can make real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living.

The organization’s mission is not to create runners within the homeless population, but to use running to create self-sufficiency in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. The program’s success is measured by how many members achieve independence through employment and housing.

Through dedication and hard work, residential members (those experiencing homelessness) earn the opportunity to create a new road for themselves. Running leads to personal transformation, and dedication to the program leads to access to training, employment and housing resources. The program strives to change the perception of homelessness through community and corporate support.

Please join us by making an in-kind donation to BoMF. Or, if you want to run for great cause get involved by becoming a non-residential member (aka volunteer).


The Giving Gift Week 10 Donation: Community Pet Coalition

4/28/14

Three of our favorite Chicago pet rescues have teamed up to help pets and families in need and we want to help out by making them this week’s Giving Gift recipients. In March of 2014, ALIVE Rescue, One Tail at a Timeand New Leash on Life formed the Community Pet Coalition (CPC). Their mission is to keep animals healthy, happy and in the homes they love.

CPC is a grassroots, community effort to decrease the number of pets given up by their owners due to financial hardship and increase the health and well-being of Chicago pets. They strongly believe families and pets are happiest when they can stay together. Through community pet days held in Logan Square and Humboldt Park Neighborhoods the coalition strives to help in the following ways:

  • Recognizing that responsible pet ownership can present some financial challenges along with the joy animals provide, the Community Pet Coalition will be conducting three Community Pet Days annually to help pet owners in need.
  • At each event, the Community Pet Coalition will provide services such as microchipping and vaccinating pets, as well, as supply flea and tick medication, spay/neuter vouchers, collars, leashes, harnesses, food and other items to families who may have difficulty caring for their pets.
  • Families experiencing behavior issues with their dogs can get help from trainers present at each Community Pet Day.
  • The consequences for not tending to the basic health needs of pets include more strays, unwanted litters, sick animals and subsequently higher healthcare costs to treat them, and ultimately, a lot of heartbreak when lost pets can’t be found or pets have to be given up, which may lead to an increase in euthanized animals.

Join us in making a donationto this great cause. Also, be sure to keep an eye on the CPC website for volunteering opportunities at upcoming community pet days.


The Giving Gift Week 11 Donation: Stewart Silverman’s Ride

5/5/14

Our veterinarian friend, Dr. Stewart Silverman of Lexinton, MA will be riding his bike over 160 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) on August 2-3, in the never ending pursuit of a cure for cancer. Last year this event raised an astounding $39 MILLION with 100% of rider-raised donations going directly to research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. To date, the PMC has raised $414 MILLION!!

Last year, Dr. Silverman’s riding team, The Biker’s Dozen, raised nearly $250,000. Their funds were divided 50:50 and contributed to two specific funds in support of brain tumor research in children.

This is Ellie, the daughter of one of Dr. Silversman’s teammates, Nick Kavalieros. Ellie was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) at the age of 10; she lost her battle on Christmas Day, December 25, 2011 at the age of 11. Half of Dr. Silverman’s team’s donations are dedicated to the innovative research of Dr Mark Kieran and his quest to cure DIPG at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

This is Samantha, the daughter of another teammate, Andrew Janower. Samantha was diagnosed 10 years ago, at age three, with a brain tumor known as an Astrocytoma. She has persevered through a difficult neurosurgery and over three years of debilitating chemotherapy. Thankfully, her tumor is now “stable” and she hasn’t required chemotherapy in several years. Half of Dr. Silverman’s team’s donations are dedicated to the Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytoma Foundation at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Your contributions can make a HUGE difference in the fight against cancer. Please consider making a tax deductible donation alongside Animal Medical Center of Chicago to help support Dr. Silverman’s ride this year.


The Giving Gift Week 12 Donation: Tree House Humane Society

5/12/14

This week we’re celebrating Mother’s Day by making a donation in honor of all the “momma cats” that are taken in every year by Tree House Humane Society.

Cats can begin having kittens as young as five months old and give birth to two or three litters a season. Donating or volunteering with organizations like Tree House can aid in rescuing mother cats and their kittens. They help to provide them with a better life than living on the streets and giving birth to endless litters of kittens.

Donations to Tree House can help feed a nursing mom and her kittens, pay for veterinary care, spay/neuter surgery, as well as, provide housing and adoptions for felines in need. Please consider donating along with us this week to aid this wonderful cause.


The Giving Gift Week 13 Donation: War Dogs Making It Home

5/19/14

This week we’re donating to War Dogs Making It Home. War Dogs is a Chicago based not-for-profit program for returning military veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. This organization pairs them with rescued dogs that are trained as service dogs for them. The dogs, the veterans, and the trainers create a support community that benefits all involved. The vets are saving the dog’s lives and the dogs are saving theirs, by creating a better life for both.

Please join us in contributing to this wonderful cause.


Week 14 Donation – American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation Team

5/26/14

This week we’re supporting our friend Tony Quinn in his quest to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Tony will be running with the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation team in the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Tony’s desire to run for team DetermiNation is fueled by the recent passing of his father-in-law, Mitch. Mitch survived prostate, colon, and stomach cancer for six years before tongue cancer got the best of him. Tony will be running his 8th marathon in memory of Mitch and to support the American Cancer Society’s mission of eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

Please join us in donating to Tony’s American Cancer Society fundraising page.


The Giving Gift Week 15 Donation: The Anti-Cruelty Society

6/2/14

Join us this week in supporting The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago’s oldest and largest private animal welfare organization.

In addition to their pet adoption services, The Anti-Cruelty Society also provides; community outreach and education, behavior and training, cruelty investigations, rehabilitation, and a spay/neuter and charity veterinary clinic. It is estimated the society helps over 50,000 animals and humans every year.

Help support The Anti-Cruelty Society’s mission of helping pets and educating people by donating alongside us this week. If you are unable to donate or would just like to do more please consider adopting or volunteering.


The Giving Gift Week 16 Donation: SPARK

6/9/14

This week’s Giving Gift goes to SPARK. Spark is a national nonprofit that provides life-changing apprenticeships to youth from disadvantaged communities. Spark’s one-on-one workplace apprenticeships empower young people to succeed in their education and beyond.

Spark, with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia, offers a unique program that re-engages underserved middle school students in their education through hands-on apprenticeships and a Leadership Curriculum. Spark partners with schools and workplaces in four regions coast-to-coast to match underserved 7th and 8th graders with mentors working in career fields aligned with the students’ strengths and interests. Spark’s parallel in-school curriculum reinforces the link between classrooms and careers while helping students build skills key to success in the 21st century. Since 2004, and with more than 2,000 students served, the results are clear: Spark students consistently gain confidence, key skills, and positive relationships, and have a graduation rate far above the national average.

Join us this week in donating to SPARK. We also strongly encourage you to volunteer to become a SPARK mentor.


The Giving Gift Week 17 Donation: ASPCA

6/16/14

This week’s donation goes to a non-profit organization that’s been preventing cruelty toward animals since 1866. Based in New York, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) mission is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”

The ASPCA works nationally to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws, and share resources with many shelters across the country. In addition, they operate in various program areas, including Anti-Cruelty, Animal Health Services, Community Outreach, and Government Relations.

The ASPCA works tirelessly to improve the lives of animals across the country and we ask you to join us in making a donation to this wonderful organization. If you are unable to donate, or want to do more, there are many ways to help. Get started by checking out their “get involved” page.


The Giving Gift Week 18 Donation: Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness

6/23/14

This past week, our friend Dr. Cindy Charlier of Fox Valley Veterinary Dentistry and Surgery, invited us to join her in the upcoming 2nd Annual Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness (OCSA) Golf Outing. Unfortunately, we’re not big golfers, but we still want to support this great cause. So that’s why we’ve picked OCSA as this week’s “Giving Gift” recipient.

OCSA works to expand public awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and contribute to the early detection of this deadly disease, and by doing so, save lives.

Each year, over 20,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and approximately 14,000 die from the disease. Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death among women in the U.S.

OCSA, has partnered with the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) creating the Veterinary Outreach Program, or VOP. The VOP is a unique awareness campaign surrounding the silent and often-missed symptoms of ovarian cancer. This partnership with the ISVMA was announced in November 2012 and launched in January 2013.

The OCSA-VOP mission is “fighting ovarian cancer with animal passion.” They seek to engage and collaborate with veterinary community members who have immediate access to individuals that are already inclined to discuss health issues in their presence.

We support OCSA and their mission to expand public awareness about ovarian cancer and ask you to join us in donating to this great cause.


The Giving Gift Week 19 Donation: PAWS Chicago

6/30/14

This week’s “Giving Gift” donation goes to PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest no-kill humane organization. Since they were founded in 1997, the number of homeless dogs and cats euthanized annually in Chicago has dropped more than 50 percent. In 2013 alone, 5,872 animals found new homes, 17,767 spay or neuter surgeries were performed, and thousands of children were taught about the consequences of allowing dog fighting and animal abuse. In addition to their countless efforts to build a no-kill Chicago and end the overpopulation of homeless animals, PAWS Chicago ranks in the top 1 percent of charities in the nation. They have been recognized as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator.

Join us this week in supporting PAWS Chicago’s efforts to help animals by making a onetime or recurring donation. As always, if you are unable to donate or would just like to do more, consider becoming a PAWS Chicago volunteer.

The Giving Gift Week 20 Donation: LUNGevity Foundation

7/7/14

Thanks to a suggestion made by our longtime client Ann Hicks, we’ve chosen the LUNGevity Foundation as this week’s “Giving Gift” donation recipient. LUNGevity Foundation’s mission is to make an immediate impact on increasing the quality-of-life and survivorship of people with lung cancer. They accomplish this by accelerating research into early detection and more effective treatments as well as providing community support and education for all those affected by the disease.

Lung cancer is the United States top cancer killer, claiming approximately 160,000 lives per year. It is a devastating disease that can afflict anyone, regardless of smoking history, gender, or ethnicity.

While colon, breast, and prostate cancer all have reliable early detection tests, lung cancer does not. Currently, only 16 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer survive five years post-diagnosis, a percentage significantly lower than that for each of these other cancers. LUNGevity Foundation believes that with early detection, there is hope.

With the support of donors, LUNGevity Foundation funds research to develop early detection methods and targeted therapies for lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation envisions a world where no one dies of lung cancer.
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Please join us this week in making a monetary contribution to LUNGevity Foundation. Every dollar we donate gets them one breath closer to improving survivorship for lung cancer. As always, if you are unable to donate or just wish to do more, consider volunteering your time or attending one of their events. Together we can make a difference.

The Giving Gift Week 21 Donation: Project Onward

7/14/14

This week’s “Giving Gift” is for everyone who loves art. Project Onward supports the career development of artists with disabilities. These exceptionally talented artists face disabilities ranging from autism to mental illness. Project Onward operates as both a studio and a gallery to support the talents of disabled artists in Chicago.

Project Onward provides a safe supportive studio with access to work space, materials, and professional guidance. They connect disabled artists with the arts community and the general public through professional art exhibition and the sale of their work. In addition, the group inspires change by using art to promote empathy and reduce the stigma of mental illness and developmental disabilities. Just one look at Project Onwards online gallery and you’ll realize the talent and potential of these artists.
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Please join us in supporting the efforts of Project Onward by attending one of their upcoming events, or by making a donation to this outstanding Chicago nonprofit. Or you can volunteer your time; Project Onward offers many opportunities to engage from working directly with artists to contributing to the design and development of exhibitions.

The Giving Gift Week 22 Donation: The Honeycomb Project

7/21/14

One of our greatest joys is seeing whole families bring their pets in for a veterinary visit. We believe that families experiencing things as team is important not only to their pets’ development but also can strengthen their own family bond. That’s why this week’s “Giving Gift” pick is based on family. The Honeycomb Project is a Chicago 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates and manages meaningful volunteer events that bring families together to learn about, enrich, and give back to their communities.

The Honeycomb Project was started in 2011 by two Chicago moms looking for meaningful volunteer projects that welcomed people of all ages. Since the start of their organization more than 2,200 people have joined Honeycomb to improve their community. The group welcomes toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents to volunteer together.

The Honeycomb Project is dedicated to working with partner organizations who serve at risk, homeless and low income individuals and families, and improving natural and recreational areas in underserved and impoverished neighborhoods. Their projects address critical issues such as hunger/homelessness, environmental concerns, senior needs, education/community arts, and health and wellness programs. To get a scope of their impact on the community over the past year, check out these past events.
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Please join us this week in supporting this great organization. Without our help the Honeycomb Project cannot continue to grow and provide exciting volunteer projects for all ages. Donate along with us, volunteer, provide supplies, or become a sponsor. Also, be sure to check out their upcoming events.

The Giving Gift Week 23 Donation: World Vets

7/28/14

This week’s “Giving Gift” goes to World Vets. World Vets is a nonprofit organization providing global veterinary aid to help animals, communities, and people. They develop, implement, and manage international veterinary and disaster relief programs to help animals, educate people, and have a positive impact on communities. World Vets is able to improve the lives of thousands of animals each year by providing free veterinary care through their dedicated volunteer force of over 3,600 individuals combined with financial support and in-kind donations.
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Consider supporting this great organization by donating along with us this week or get more involved by becoming a member. Membership helps support international veterinary aid projects, to help animals all over the world.

The Giving Gift Week 24 Donation: WITS

8/4/14

With back to school on the horizon, we’ve chosen Working in the Schools (WITS) as this week’s “Giving Gift” recipient. WITS is a 501(c) 3 that promotes literacy and the love of reading to Chicago’s youth by providing one-on-one tutoring and mentoring. They’ve provided quality programs and have seen continued literacy success while serving the Chicago Public School system for the past 20 years.

WITS, with its 1,900 volunteers currently serve 2,600 students in 31 elementary schools and three community parks. They provide seven different programs, year round, to promote literacy. Each year these programs continue to have a positive impact on the youth they serve.

Please join us in making a donation this week to help support this great organization. As with many of our weekly picks, the driving force of WITS is its volunteers. In addition to your donation, please consider becoming a WITS volunteer.

The Giving Gift Week 25 Donation: Lakeview Pantry

8/11/14

This week’s “Giving Gift” goes to the Lakeview Pantry, which is a wonderful organization within our own neighborhood. Lakeview Pantry is one of the largest and longest-lived food pantries in Chicago. Founded in 1970, the pantry serves over 12,000 individuals each year. This equates to roughly 1.5 million pounds of food. With the help of over 800 active volunteers, they distribute food six days a week through three different programs. Their programs include: two on-site food distribution locations, a home delivery program that delivers groceries to elderly and disabled clients, and a case management program to help clients find employment, secure stable housing, and access medical care.

Consider donating along with usthis week to help support the Lakeview Pantry. Just $50 feeds a family of four for an entire month. As always, if you are unable to donate or just want to do more, please consider volunteering at Lakeview Pantry.

Week 26 Donation – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

8/18/14

With the recent passing of actor Robin Williams still fresh in our minds, we dedicate this week’s “Giving Gift” to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). AFSP is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization that brings communities together to understand and prevent suicide, and to help heal the pain it causes.

In 2011 (the most recent year for which data is available), 39,518 suicides were reported, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death for Americans. In that year, someone in the country died by suicide every 13.3 minutes. The highest suicide rate was among people 45 to 64 years old. 78.5% were male and 21.5% were female.

The AFSP website is packed with resources to help if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, concerned about someone else, or grieving the loss of a loved one. If you are in crisis, don’t hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Let’s all work together to help AFSP achieve their mission of a world that is free of suicide. Pass these resources on to anyone that you know who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. You may also help by volunteering or donating along with us this week.

The Giving Gift Week 27 Donation: Red Door Animal Shelter

8/25/14

This week’s “Giving Gift” donation goes to Red Door Animal Shelter. Located at 2410 West Lunt in Chicago, the shelter’s red painted door represents a symbol of safe haven to all those that pass through. Red Door is a no-kill shelter committed to helping dogs, cats, and rabbits in need.

One unique aspect of the Red Door Shelter is that they provide an environment without cages for their animals, giving them the closest thing to a home experience that a shelter can provide. While their emphasis is on rehoming the animals through adoption, the shelter does offer permanent residence for those few animals not placed in homes.

Each year Red Door rescues and finds homes for hundreds of abused and abandoned animals. Please consider helping them continue their mission by making a donation.

The Giving Gift Week 28 Donation: Felines and Canines

9/1/14

It’s week 28 and we’ve reached the half way point of our 56 weeks of giving! This week’s “Giving Gift” goes to our friends at Felines & Canines. Founded in 1977 and originally named Felines Inc., the shelter operated as a cat only rescue until adding dog adoptions in January 2012, at which time they updated their name to Felines & Canines. They’ve also seen expansion in their facilities going from a two story house to a renovated and expanded facility that now houses up to 200 cats and approximately 20 dogs.

Felines & Canines’ mission is to provide a safe and loving shelter to abandoned, injured, abused and neglected animals until their permanent home is found. In addition they strengthen the human-animal bond through counseling, education, and compassion.

Let’s work together to help organizations like Felines & Canines carry out their mission to assist animals in need. Donate along with us this week or consider volunteering.

The Giving Gift Week 29 Donation: Chicago Canine Rescue

9/8/14

Since 2001 Chicago Canine Rescue (CCR) has been helping shelter dogs and cats find permanent and loving homes. This week it’s AMC’s turn to help them, by featuring CCR as our week 29 “Giving Gift” recipient.

CCR prides itself on assisting the dogs and cats that are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, or injured. Since their conception, they have saved the lives of over 3,500 dogs and cats.

Join us in helping CCR continue their mission by donatingalong with us or volunteering your time.

The Giving Gift Week 30 Donation: Chicago Cat Rescue

9/15/14

It’s week 30 and we’re choosing Chicago Cat Rescue as this week’s “Giving Gift” recipient. Chicago Cat Rescue is dedicated to helping homeless cats and kittens via rescue, adoption and education. They are an all volunteer-run organization that relies on compassionate individuals to foster rescued cats until they find their forever homes.

Chicago Cat Rescue is unique in that all of their animals available for adoption are cared for in private foster homes. Foster homes make a great scenario for you to meet and mingle with your potential furry friend. A casual, home setting brings out the best in cats and helps potential adopters gain a true sense of their personalities and temperaments.

Join us this week in making a charitable donation to Chicago Cat Rescue. Also be sure to check out their upcoming events page or consider become a foster parent.

The Giving Gift Week 31 Donation: Free Geek Chicago

9/22/14

What do you do with your old computer once it’s time to upgrade? One solution might be to donate it to the Chicago branch of the nonprofit, FreeGeek. FreeGeek Chicago is a community organization that recycles used computers and parts to provide functional computers, education, internet access, and job skills training to those who want them.

They recycle computer technology and provide low and no-cost computing to other nonprofit organizations and disadvantaged individuals. FreeGeek Chicago does most of this work with volunteers, who disassemble and test the donated equipment, which are either recycled as electronic scrap or reused in refurbished systems.

Join AMC this week in making a cash donation to support this great cause. Or, consider donating your used computers and monitors. Check out their donation page to see what equipment they accept.

The Giving Gift Week 32 Donation: HOW

9/29/14

This week’s Giving Gift goes to HOW (Housing Opportunities for Women). Since 1983, they have been empowering women, children and families to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Through prevention strategies they have helped thousands take back their lives, they ensure that homeless individuals are housed as quickly as possible, and then provided with tools for success and self-sufficiency.

This year alone, HOW’s Permanent Supportive Housing Program will serve nearly 300 households with more than 200 children. Outstandingly, more than 90% of the families involved in this program have retained their housing or accessed permanent, independent housing. Go to http://www.how-inc.org/howstories.html to read their success stories and statistics.

Join us this week in making a cash donation to help support HOW’s programs and services or become more involved by volunteering http://www.how-inc.org/volunteer.html your time.

The Giving Gift Week 33 Donation: Plant Chicago

10/6/14

This week’s “Giving Gift” is all about taking care of our urban environment. Plant Chicago, is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote closed-loop food production and sustainable economic development through education and research. To drive its mission, Plant Chicago demonstrates the model of The Plant, a 93,500 square foot former meat packing plant in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood repurposed into a net-zero energy vertical farm and business incubator. This model will eventually divert over 10,000 tons of food waste from landfills each year to meet all of its heat and power needs.

You’ve got to check this place out in person to believe it.

Help us support this great environmentally friendly concept by making a cash donation along with us this week. Plant Chicago is a 501c3 non-profit so all donations are tax deductible. And, as with all our giving gift picks, we encourage you get involved and volunteer your time. Volunteer opportunities are available on their website.

The Giving Gift Week 34 Donation: The Greater Chicago Food Depository

10/13/14

In week 34 of the “Giving Gift” blog, we want to help the Greater Food Depository fight hunger in Chicago. Their mission is clear and to the point: to fight hunger, one dollar, one meal, and one person at a time. But fighting hunger is no easy task. Nearly 800,000 people in Cook County are unsure of when they will receive their next meal.

The Greater Food Depository offers three main areas for interested citizens to become involved in actively fighting hunger in Chicago.

  1. Volunteer: Your time makes a difference. Last year alone volunteers allowed the food depository to distribute 67 million pounds of food.
  2. Advocate for the Cause: Take a stand against hunger. Let elected officials know that you support hunger-relief programs.
  3. Donate: Join AMC this week in making an online cash donation. Remember the Greater Food Depository is a 501c3 organization, so all donations are tax deductible. Food donations via food drives are also accepted.

Regardless of how you choose to help, we hope you choose to do something and make a difference in your community. If you, or someone you know, are in need of food assistance you can find help by clicking here.

The Giving Gift Week 35 Donation: The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

10/20/14

Many of us love to visit Chicago’s museums, but few of us realize most operate as non-profits. That means they need our financial help in order to carry out their educational missions. This week’s “Giving Gift” goes to a wonderful museum right down the street from us, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

Located at 2430 N. Cannon Drive, the Nature Museum serves as an oasis of nature in the heart of Chicago.

Here are some of the museum’s best features:

  • An award-winning education department that reaches more than 70,000 school children each year
  • Dynamic exhibitions that inspire, entertain and stimulate curiosity about nature and science
  • Ground-breaking conservation work that gives rare butterflies new life and endangered Blanding’s turtles a better chance at survival
  • The Chicago Academy of Sciences Collection that is the definitive record of our region’s natural history
  • Compelling citizen science projects that are among the nation’s best

Join us this week in making an online donation to help The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum continue their mission to connect the public with nature and science. If you’re looking for a more hands on approach to helping, the museum also offers opportunities to create positive relationships between people and nature via volunteering.

The Giving Gift Week 36 Donation: Friends of Animal Care and Control

10/27/14

Our week 36 “Giving Gift” goes to Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control. This non-profit was created to help save the lives of over 23,000 animals that Chicago Animal Care and Control (ACC) take in annually.

The group achieves this by providing food, medical care, and adoption opportunities to ACC animals via their foster program. In addition, they encourage potential adopters to adopt directly from ACC, advocate for humane treatment of all animals, educate the public on proper care of their animals, and provide resources to the shelter that the city budget can’t cover.

They encourage the public to help by becoming a foster parent, or volunteering their time at the shelter. Cash donations are always needed so AMC encourages you to donate along with us this week. Volunteering your time, or making a donation, will allow Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control to help even more animals in the years to come.

The Giving Gift Week 37 Donation: Open Books

11/3/14

This week we turn our attention toward literacy. Open Books is a Chicago nonprofit that provides literacy experiences for thousands of readers each year through inspiring programs and creative capitalization of books.

Since their conception in 2006 Open Books has served nearly 20,000 students and distributed over 100,000 high quality used books through their book grant program. Besides reading, they also provide creative writing workshops to help 3rd through 12th graders develop their writing skills. Additionally, they provide tens of thousands of readers with access to affordable books through their two Chicago bookstores and online shop.

We hope you’ll join us this week in making an online cash donation to help Open Books raise literacy rates in Chicago. If you are unable to make a cash donation, or simply want to do more, please consider donating books. Donated books are sold in Open Books’ stores to help fund their programs, used and given away in their instructional book grant programs, or recycled if they are deemed unusable. The book department at Open Books produces zero waste and they give away two books for every 3 they sell. Volunteers are also needed.

The Giving Gift Week 38 Donation: New Leash on Life

11/10/14

Since 2005 New Leash on Life (NLOL) has been rescuing dogs in and around Chicago, re-homing nearly 600 dogs. The majority of those rescues came from Chicago Animal Care and Control. NLOL prides themselves on helping all dogs; no breed too strange, no size too difficult, no dog too old or young. They have worked tirelessly to fight breed legislation by providing a voice for all breeds including bully breeds. They are also one-third of the driving force behind the Chicago Community Pet Coalition, a group which provides free vaccines, microchips and spay and neuter vouchers to those in need, through community pet days in Chicago parks. NLOL is entirely volunteer run and non-profit, and funds its mission through the generous support of donors. Available dogs stay with loving foster parents and out of the shelter environment while they wait to be adopted.

Please join us this week in making an online donation to help support NLOL’s mission to adopt dogs into loving and compassionate homes. If you want to do more please consider adoption, fostering or volunteering.

The Giving Gift Week 39 Donation: National Runaway Safeline

11/17/14

November is National Runaway Prevention Month and we are fortunate to have an amazing resource right in the Lakeview neighborhood. The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) helps keep runaways, homeless, and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.

NRS staff and volunteers, via their 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline, handle over 100,000 calls a year. They also provide additional services including; crisis intervention, message relay and conference calling between runaways and family, and community street teams to assist homeless youth. In addition they developed Home Free, a program that works with Greyhound Bus lines and has allowed more than 14,000 youth to be reunited with their family members free of charge.

Join us this week, by making an online donation, to help NRS in their efforts to prevent teen homelessness. Also, we encourage you to do more by volunteering and providing their number to those that might need it: 1-800-786-2929 (1-800-RUNAWAY).

The Giving Gift Week 40 Donation: The Animal Welfare League

11/24/14

Founded in 1935, the Animal Welfare League (AWL) has worked tirelessly to relieve the suffering of animals in the Chicagoland area. Their motto is simple “recovery is the answer, not euthanasia”. Through two shelters, one at 6224 South Wabash in Chicago and their Chicago Ridge location, AWL cares for more than 20,000 homeless and abandoned animals each year. The Wabash Avenue location receives owner relinquished animals, as well as, strays in an economically depressed area of the city. The shelter also conducts cruelty investigations, rescues animals, and picks up stray animals in the community. The facility at Chicago Ridge is a full-service shelter that is open 24 hours a day (365 days a year) to receive stray animals. The shelter can house more then 1,200 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, ferrets, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, wild and farm animals. No animal is ever refused.

Other programs offered by AWL include: a full service low cost veterinary clinic (Chicago Ridge location only), humane education programs, behavior training, and no-charge monthly pet food distribution to those in need.

Please join AMC this week by donating to AWL, to help fund their two animal care facilities and continue their mission to relieve the suffering of animals. Beyond cash donations, AWL’s website also features other ways to give: donating your time by adopting, donating materials, or by attending one of their many events.

The Giving Gift Week 41 Donation: M.O.P.S. Pug Rescue

12/1/14

Who doesn’t love the adorable squishy face of a pug? We do! That’s why this week’s “Giving Gift” donation is going to M.O.P.S. (Making Our Pugs Safe) Pug Rescue and Adoption. Established in 2009, M.O.P.S. is a volunteer ran 501c3 organization that is dedicated to the welfare of purebred pugs. This breed specific rescue works with animal shelters and owner relinquished pugs by fostering them until they are ready for their new homes.

M.O.P.S depends on donations to continue their mission. The money is used for veterinary care, updating vaccines, spay and neuter surgeries for intact dogs, and providing the day to day care. Please join AMC this week in making a donation to this wonderful rescue organization. Adoptable dogs and more information about M.O.P.S can be found on their petfinder.com page.

The Giving Gift Week 42 Donation: Howard Brown Health Center

12/8/14

Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) was founded in 1974 and is now one of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) organizations. They exist to eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by LGBTQ people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness.

They serve more than 18,000 adults and youth each year by delivering health and social services focused around seven major programmatic divisions: primary medical care, behavioral health, research, HIV/STD prevention, youth services, elder services, and community initiatives. HBHC serves men and women, infants, youth, and children through a multi-site operation based in Chicago. Their facilities includes a main health and research center in the Uptown neighborhood, Aris Health by Howard Brown Health Center, the Broadway Youth Center, and three Brown Elephant resale shops in Chicago and Oak Park.

Please join us in supporting Howard Brown’s mission by making an online donation along with us this week. To volunteer or find out more about HBHC services and programs, go here http://www.howardbrown.org/hb_services.asp.

The Giving Gift Week 43 Donation: Bundle of Joy

12/15/14

Did you know diapers can cost a parent more than $100 a month, per child? Financially struggling families often find themselves having to forgo meals and bus fare in order to purchase diapers. Furthermore, government subsidies such as Link & WIC do not cover the cost of diapers. This is why Bundle of Joy was created. They are Chicago’s first and only diaper bank, providing diapers via community pantries to families who cannot afford them. Their mission is to ensure that every Chicago family has access to a supply of clean diapers.

Join us this week in making a financial donation to Bundle of Joy to help keep “Chicago’s Kids Covered”. Or, consider donating diapers, hosting a drop box, or volunteering your time.

The Giving Gift Week 44 Donation: Best Friends Animal Society

12/22/14

Millions of pets end up in shelters each year due to the following reasons: divorce or breakup, foreclosure, death in family, economic problems, lost without I.D., or minor behavior problems. Tragically, 4 million of these homeless pets are killed each year in American shelters. More than seven animals per minute are euthanized in shelters which amount to 9,000 animals per day. Best Friends Animal Society works nationwide to put a stop to this killing of domestic animals. Their mission is simple, “save them all”.

Best Friends is most notably recognized for their Utah Sanctuary. This no-kill sanctuary is the largest in the country and home to nearly 2,000 animals. But they do so much more. Best Friends works with other rescue groups all across the country to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters. They host events to raise money for local shelters and teach other organizations and rescuers how they can become no-kill. They also carry out national initiatives that focus on animals most likely to enter America’s shelter system, like cats, castoffs from puppy mills, and pit-bull-terrier-type dogs.

Let’s all pitch in to this amazing organization by making an online donation this week. Our contributions will go straight to work helping tens of thousands of animals, both at the sanctuary and through outreach and rescue programs all across the country.

The Giving Gift Week 45 Donation: Polished Pebbles

12/29/14

Violence in Chicago affects everyone living within its reach, both male and female. While many programs focus on the urgency of the crisis of low income adolescent black males, adolescent black girls who live in the same area and witness then same violence, have been largely unaddressed. Polished Pebbles, a nonprofit, aims to be a solution to this problem. Their mission is to instill confidence in girls to face daily life challenges by substituting aggressive forms of communications with new problem solving strategies.

Polish Pebbles programs include: after-school mentoring, Second Saturday (a model group mentoring experience), and career exploration via job shadowing. With the help of over 400 volunteer mentors, the organization has helped over 1000 girls.

Join us this week in supporting this amazing organization by making an online donation. Mentor opportunities are also available.

The Giving Gift Week 46 Donation: Chicago Public Library Foundation

1/5/15

The Chicago Public Library Foundation is a nonprofit that supports the city’s 80 public libraries and the programs they provide. The Chicago Public Library (CPL) holds close to six million volumes making it the ninth largest library in the United States. The CPL Foundation supports the collection development, programs and technology initiatives that connect library users to their community and the world. They ensure that all Chicagoans have the freedom to read and to learn and discover at the Chicago Public Library.

The CPL Foundation invest in Chicago by providing programs to encourage children to read, after school homework help, leadership programs for teens, computer tutors, learning programs for lifelong learners, and many more programs.

Join us this week in supporting the library by making a donation to CPL Foundation. Together our gift will help maintain the excellence of the library’s collections, diverse programming, and free and open access to technology and information resources.

The Giving Gift Week 47 Donation: Cycle for Survival

1/12/15

This week’s “Giving Gift” goes to Cycle For Survival. Cycle For Survival is a national movement to help beat rare cancers. Money is raised through sponsorship of cyclists who participate in indoor team cycling events across the country. 100% of the money raised directly funds lifesaving rare cancer research.

Approximately 50% of people with cancer are battling a rare form of the disease. Rare cancers include brain, pancreatic, stomach, ovarian, thyroid cancers, leukemia and lymphoma, all pediatric cancers, and many others.

Join us this week in making a financial contribution to our friend Michael Abrams, who will be riding for team “Wackpack Attack”. Michael is a two time survivor of testicular cancer and has been cancer free for 25 years. Help him reach his goal of $5,000.

The Giving Gift Week 48 Donation: Purple Purse

1/19/15

Domestic violence affects one in four women in her lifetime. According to statistics, 98% of domestic violence survivors stay, leave or return to an abusive relationship because they don’t have the financial resources to break free.

Purple Purse is a project of the Allstate Foundation that focuses on the financial abuse portion of domestic violence. Partnering with national and local non-profits, the Allstate Foundation has created a comprehensive program to provide resources, fund direct services and spread the word about domestic violence and financial abuse. Purple is the color used to represent the campaign, and the purse itself serves as a symbol of financial wellbeing and a sense of strength for women around the country.

Join AMC this week in making a donation to any of the organizations on the Purple Purse Challenge website and help them put an end to domestic violence.

The Giving Gift Week 49 Donation: Bryan and Amanda Bickell Foundation

1/26/15

Bryan Bickell is a well-known name among Chicago Blackhawks fans. However, Bryan is more than just a hard hitting hockey player. He and his wife are also the founders of the Bryan and Amanda Bickell Foundation, a non-profit whose mission is to create awareness for the compassionate, loyal, and misunderstood dogs labeled pit bulls.

After rescuing a pit bull puppy, the Bickell’s were surprised about the amount of animosity toward them and their puppy after their hometown Ontario, Canada enacted a ban on pit bulls, just a month after taking the puppy in. After moving to Chicago to play for the Blackhawk’s, the Bickell’s heard that the city was thinking about banning pit bulls. They quickly sprung into action and in 2012 worked with a billboard campaign called “Chicago Loves Pits”. One billboard featuring Bryan read “Bryan Bickell is the only fighter in his family”. Shortly after, the Chicago Loves Pits campaign spawned into the Bryan and Amanda Bickell foundation.

Today the foundation works to create a positive cycle of awareness through pit bull-type-dogs that were once the victims of neglect, abuse, or abandonment. They work to promote the dogs for adoption, or aid in their rescue through the Bick’s Pit program. They also work to educate the public about pit bulls while providing services to low-income pit bull owners through the Chicago Loves Pits program. By working with pit bulls who are rescued, adopted, or have overcome abuse or bullying, they can then focus on promoting the human-animal bond. They accomplish this by bringing certified therapy pit bulls together with children who are victims of abuse through the Paws for Strength program. Lastly, they work with children who are victims of bullying to teach kindness and compassion through pit bulls as part of the Bullies Against Bullying program.

We ask you to join us this week in donating to or becoming involved with this great organization. Together we can make a difference.

The Giving Gift Week 50 Donation: The Puppy Mill Project

2/2/15

This week’s “Giving Gift” goes to The Puppy Mill Project (TPMP). TPMP educates the public at community events and schools by handing out literature, spreading the message about puppy mill cruelty, and providing age-based interactive lectures and presentations.

Since their inception in 2009, TPMP has held weekly demonstrations at pet stores throughout the Chicagoland area. Peaceful protests are held to help raise awareness and educate the public that a high percentage of pet store puppies are from puppy mills. This is a fact TPMP says most people aren’t aware of. TPMP has been the driving force that has lead to the closing of several pet stores.

Join us this week in making a donation to help fund TPMP’s efforts to end puppy mill cruelty, or do more by visiting their website and becoming personally involved.

The Giving Gift Week 51 Donation: Slow Food Chicago

2/9/15

For many of us, our busy lives have led to poor eating habits. We find ourselves frequenting too many drive-thru restaurants and eating an abundance of factory made frozen dinners. However, one organization aims to change our fast food culture and take us back to the dinner table.

Slow Food Chicago’s mission is to preserve and share local food cultures. They believe everyone can enjoy food that is good, clean, and fair. This volunteer based nonprofit hosts events and programs around the Chicago area which educate people on buying local, growing and preparing their own food, and enjoying the food they eat.

Join us this week in making a donation to Slow Food Chicago to help support their mission, or do more by visiting their website and becoming personally involved.

The Giving Gift: 52 Weeks of Donations

2/16/15

We’ve done it! Our goal was to donate to 52 Chicago non-profits in 52 weeks and this blog marks our final week. We couldn’t have done it without all your great suggestions of local non-profits and we thank you for donating along with us over the past year.

For our final blog, we’ve chosen a great organization in Lincoln Square that works tirelessly to keep pets and their families together during times of financial hardship. Friendship Pet Food Pantry (FP2) provides pet food to Chicago residents in need. They keep their shelves stocked by accepting donations from the public and partnering with area businesses. Anyone who lives in Chicago is eligible for assistance; there are no income or other eligibility requirements. Just stop in during business hours and let them know what you need. The pantry is located at 2733 W. Lawrence in Chicago.

Join us this week in making a monetary donation to FP2. Donations such as this will enable them to purchase much needed pet food and supplies. FP2 also welcomes donations of dog and cat food, as well as cat litter, treats, toys, beds, bowls, collars and leashes. Check their website for drop off locations and times.

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