Support Evanston Families in Need by Donating Items to the Mayor's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive

To ensure every Evanston family can celebrate this holiday season, community members are encouraged to participate in the annual Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive.

Beginning today, Tuesday, November 3, the City is collecting new, unwrapped toys and games for children ages 0-12, along with non-perishable staple food items for holiday meals, including stuffing, green beans, canned corn, dried potatoes, canned cranberry sauce, yams, mac and cheese, cornbread mix, cake mix, and frosting. The City is also collecting new and gently used children’s books.

“A new toy, a favorite book, or a financial contribution to the Parks Foundation goes directly to Evanston families who could use a little extra support this time of year. I hope community members will join us in making this season brighter for our neighbors," said Acting Mayor Jonathan Nieuwsma.

Items can be dropped off at locations throughout the city, including:

• Autobarn, 1015 Chicago Ave.
• Booked, 506 Main St.
• Briteco Insurance, 805 Greenwood St.
• Chandler-Newberger Center, 1028 Central St.
• Morton City Hall, 909 Davis St.
• Ecology Center, 2024 N. McCormick Blvd.
• Evanston Police Station, 1454 Elmwood Ave.
• Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.
• Fire Station 3, 1105 Central St.
• Fire Station 5, 2830 Central St.
• First Northern Credit Union, 1705 Sherman Ave.
• Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St.
• Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
• Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.
• Robert Crown Center, 1801 Main St.
• Partnership Financial Credit Union, 2522 Green Bay Rd.
• Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.
• The Merion, 1611 Chicago Ave.

Food Bags: Residents do not need to register in advance to receive a food bag. Food bags will be distributed on Wednesday, December 9, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St., on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Toy & Book Bags: Registration for Toy & Book bags is open Tuesday, November 3 through Tuesday, December 1. New this year, families must be approved for Access Evanston before they can register. To register, families should first apply for Access Evanston as soon as possible and link their approval to their recreation account. Once approved, they can register online for each eligible child. Registration is available online only, and updated eligibility requirements apply. Toy & Book bags will also be distributed on Wednesday, December 9, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.

Support the Drive Financially: Residents interested in making a tax-deductible financial contribution toward a bulk purchase of food and toys by the Evanston Parks Foundation can donate online. Checks can be mailed to or dropped off at: Evanston Parks Foundation, City of Evanston Holiday Giving, 1655 Foster St., Evanston, IL 60201.

Stuff-the-Trailer Day: Join the City for a Stuff-the-Trailer Day on Saturday, November 21, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market. The goal is to pack the Parks & Recreation Department's Let’s Play Trailer full of donations. Bring new, unwrapped toys, books, or games for kids ages 0-12, or non-perishable holiday staples.

To learn more about the Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive, visit cityofevanston.org or contact 847-448-4311. For convenience, community member may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.