With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us, Glenview residents and charitable organizations are dedicating time to help those in need throughout the community.

Here, check out some of the many ways your neighbors and friends are giving back — And how you can get involved!

Tie-Dye for the Troops

For Glenbrook South Junior Kyle Domutz, giving back to others is an annual tradition. For the past 10 years, Domutz has spent summer months making tie-dye bandanas and other goods for sale at the Glenview Farmer's Market.

In 2004, he began using 100% of the proceeds from the sale of his tie-dyed bandanas to purchase holiday care packages for soldiers overseas. This year, Domutz filled  packages with food, games and a variety of toiletries.

"There is one particular email I remember quite well, it was a prayer," Domutz said of a thank you note he received. "It was so unique and heartfelt that it touched quite a few raw nerves. She told me that she was just doing her job being a soldier while I was the extraordinary one for trying to brighten their days a little bit through the care packages."

In 2005, Domutz began a partnership with Angela W. Stewart, secretary of the Current Events Club in Glenview. Through donations, the Current Events Club supports the project by providing funding for postage. 

"If Kyle is America's future, we are in good hands," Stewart said. "I am fortunate to know Kyle Domutz; he is the real deal. Kyle makes the world a better place."

Students Create Art and Make Holiday Wishes Come True For Local Families

This semester at Columbia College students collaborated with Northbrook Court Shopping Center to create gift displays promoting the Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook Holiday Gift Program.

Throughout Northbrook Court, shoppers can enjoy three dimensional art displays that resemble gifts featured on the Youth Services wish lists.

Each display includes a wish list of items that can be purchased  at Northbrook Court retailers and also serves as a drop off location for new winter essentials and holiday gift donations for Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook.

"These are definitely eye-catchers for customers shopping around the center," explained Shannon Ridgeway, marketing manager at Northbrook Court. "The goal is to really bring in more traffic to Northbrook Court in order to create awareness on behalf of Youth Services." 

Displays were created by students in Professor Kate Schaefer's Decision Making Senior Capstone Course. 

"From idea conception to execution, the students have been a part of the process every step of the way," Professor Schaefer explained. "We are all excited to see the finished product and the impact it has on the holiday season at Northbrook Court."  

Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook, Northbrook Park District and the Glenview Park District also serve as donation locations. Donations will be accepted through December 24th.

Project Linus Brings Warmth to Local Families 

Project Linus donates more than 10,000 blankets each year to nearly 15 hospitals and agencies throughout the Chicagoland area. Blankets are handmade by volunteers throughout the suburbs, including local volunteers in Glenview. And, many of these blankets are donated close to home, explained local chapter coordinator Judi Goldman.

"Project Linus touches the hearts of the children who receive the blankets, their families and the medical staff who care for them," Goldman added.

Project Linus blanketeer Eadie Crampton, a member of the Glenview Senior Center, volunteers her time assembling the Linus tags on blankets and  accompanies each snuggly gift with a card.

Project Linus blankets are appreciated by children and families throughout the holiday season, Crampton said, but it's an ongoing effort throughout the entire year.

"I've always been the kind of person to be involved in philanthropy of some kind," Crampton shared. "It's nice to feel like I'm doing something for others."

Glenview Residents Participate in Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program

This month the Glenview Park District and community members joined thousands of generous supporters in making Christmas brighter for a child in need through the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program.

The Angel Tree Program, sponsored by The Glenview Ice Center, provided opportunities for local residents to select an Angel Tag and donate a new gift for a family in need.

Elizabeth A. Gogola, director of marketing for the Park District, said community response was immediate. 

"All of the tags have already been taken from the Angel Tree," she explained. "So, it seems to be a healthy response again this year."

It's not too late to get involved! To donate to the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, bring an unwrapped gift to your nearest Salvation Army location through December 19th.