Home is Your Sanctuary – Especially in Uncertain Times

We have all been spending a lot more time at home lately, navigating a “new normal” from inside four walls. This time has given me a chance to think and reflect upon the meaning of the home. For me, a home extends much further than a financial asset or a roof over my head – it is a mindset that can be created anywhere you need it to be with the right approach. In the traditional sense, a home is a gift, whether you own or rent.  By taking an active approach to minimizing stressors in your space and amplifying what makes you feel at ease, you can turn any space into a physical and mental sanctuary.

Bring balance to your living space

Wherever you currently find yourself, it’s important to reflect on what comforts you about your home. Start by making a list of things you love. A few questions you can ask yourself are:

• What qualities of your home feel the most comfortable for you?
• What aspects of your home do you appreciate?
• What decisions in your home design or arrangement are pleasing to you now?
• Where is your happy corner?
• What areas do the children love the most?

Consider the aesthetics of your home. You likely have rooms that you naturally gravitate towards. This could be for several reasons. For example, neutral tones may give you a sense of calm and reassurance. Take note of your preferences and incorporate those themes in the other rooms of your home.

Similarly, there may be parts of your home or its aesthetics may actually be causing you stress.  Common stressors are:

• Outdated look Lack of light
• Confined or cluttered space
• Aging appliances that require unplanned financial investment

Identify and address what is causing you stress in each room and write it down. Engage the people you live with. Even if you don’t have the funds to update your furniture or paint, de-cluttering is a free way to improve home equity and re-imagine your space. Keep in mind, it’s important to combine functionality with aesthetics. You want to aim to create a beautiful space that is also functional to your lifestyle.

Find opportunities to re-purpose space

When you look at your space through a new lens, you might be surprised to find that it could be used for multiple things. Optimize the space that you have to organize and fulfill your various needs. Consider making rooms multifunctional. This takes creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Can the kitchen island be transformed into an online learning classroom during certain hours, or can the bedroom become a virtual meeting room for when ‘no distractions’ are needed? The point is to re-imagine spaces in the house, configure them for flexibility, and set guidelines for multiple uses.

Make your home your own

During these uncertain times, one thing is irrefutable — the home has taken on an added emphasis as our shelter and safe haven. Our homes have evolved into our workplaces, virtual classrooms, and family entertaining spaces. Now, more than ever, we are motivated to make our homes more beautiful, safe, multi-functional, and comfortable.

Here are a few resources that you can use to jumpstart your reorganizing and redecorating your home.

• Pinterest is a great resource for saving ideas that inspire you. Once you’ve pinpointed an aesthetic or an interior design style that you seem to be gravitating towards, start listing items that you would like to purchase for the home.
• Decorating does not have to be expensive. Here are some practical ideas for budget-friendly decorating.
• If you also need some further interior design inspiration, this blog gives you 33 tips on how to make your home cozy. Apartment Therapy has a great article on making your home as inviting as possible.

While there are many ideas and resources available to help you create your sanctuary, it’s best to follow your heart. Because that is where home is.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/meaning-of-home-in-uncertain-times/

6 Things You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Community During the Coronavirus

 

 

We are now living in an unprecedented scary time and nerves are high from the frightening daily updates about the latest coronavirus outbreak.  It is now more important than ever to come together as a community to not only fight the virus and flatten the curve but to also help out others in need.  Some of you may be wondering how you can help out, but have no idea where to start. Here are five things that you can do right now to help out your community during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

 

1. Put your mask on before assisting others

Do you know how on airplanes, they tell you to put your oxygen masks on first before assisting others?  The same goes for right now. Before doing anything else, take precautions to protect yourself first from COVID-19.  Stay inside, and practice social distancing.  Social distancing (which should be called physical distancing), if you don’t know, is the conscious group effort to reduce close contact between people to hopefully stop community transmission of the virus.  By staying home, you are not putting others at risk, and protecting those in high-risk populations. Ultimately, social distancing will help flatten the curve. Here is a simulator that shows you how we can flatten the curve.   

2. Avoid gathering in public places

 Ideally, you should be six feet away from your neighbor.  Remember to also disinfect places around you that people are always touching.  I know that I will be disinfecting door knobs and all the surfaces in my home.  Governor J.B. Pritzker had issued a stay at home ban starting March 21st. Unless you must run necessary errands, try to respect this ban as much as possible — and stay inside.   

This also means that you should limit in-person visitation to people who are in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes.  While it may upset you that you cannot be with your mother or grandmother during this time, by visiting her in person, you would actually be putting her at a higher risk of catching the coronavirus.  So try visiting your loved ones virtually – through FaceTime or Skype – so that you can say hello without putting them at extra risk. 
 
And most importantly, wash your hands regularly.  Sing happy birthday to yourself twice, if it helps you remember to do a thorough clean. 

 

3. Support local businesses

Governor J. B. Pritzker had ordered that all bars and restaurants must be closed to dine-in customers from March 16th to March 30th.  Your local mom and pop shops will be feeling the blow from this ban. While dining in the restaurant is not an option for the time being, you will still be able to order for take-out.  Some restaurants now even offer curbside pickup! If you can, order takeout and support your restaurants. If you are in the position to, remember to tip well.  But if you feel that it is unwise to go in person to order takeout, purchase gift cards for the restaurants to use at a later date when the ban has been lifted.  This helps the restaurants because it gives them cash to use right now during this difficult time.  And you’ll have a gift card to treat yourself or your significant other to a wonderful dinner in the future!

4.  Foster a dog or a cat

If you feel that you and your children will go stir crazy from having to stay inside, foster a pet!  Now is the perfect time to foster a dog or cat so that you can teach your kids what it is really like to have a dog or a cat!  Animal Care and Control, as well as the many adoption and rescue centers, are always overflowing with pets who need a home.  Having a foster pet will not only help you pass the time, but it will also help with your stress and anxiety levels during this difficult time.
 
Here are some recommended places to look for a foster pet: Second City Canine Rescue, PAWS Chicago, K9 for Keeps, Safe Humane, and Chicago Canine Rescue, among many others.  If you would like more information on helping out with emergency relief fosters, click here.  Click here if you would like to sign up to foster!

5. Take care of the elderly and those in need

If you are young and in the low-risk population, offer to help out those in the high-risk populations.  Reach out to elderly people in your community or someone who is immunocompromised, and offer to go grocery shopping for them and run errands for them.  It will be much safer for you to walk about than for them to leave the house. 

Also, if you have extra resources, try to reach out to families with children that are in need that may need help with lunch, now that schools are closed.  Any way that you can offer assistance and support to your community will be greatly appreciated in this trying time

6. Join your local Facebook group

Now, for South Loop, there is a Facebook group called “Hello, South Loop!”.  These Facebook groups are wonderful because it allows you to stay in touch with your community.  Oftentimes, moms will post on there and ask if there is someone willing to watch her kids at a short notice.  Others will post that they are immunocompromised and need help running errands. By joining this group, it gives you the opportunity to help out your community when you can, and interact with others who live close to you.  Staying in touch with your community will provide many opportunities to offer a lending hand when you can, especially during the unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic in our lifetime.

We are in this together as we work through the Coronavirus Pandemic 

 

While this is an extremely stressful situation for many, if we look on the bright side of things, you may become more in touch with your community now more than ever.  Just keep telling yourself – this too shall pass. In the meantime, try to keep yourself as healthy as possible and show compassion to businesses and people around you.  Whenever you can, lend a helping hand and heart virtually or physically. I am here to provide support to my south loop community in any way I can.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.  I would love to help out in any way I know-how.  Stay strong; we are in this together.  If you have any specific COVID-19 questions, be sure to check out the CDC’s website.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/help-your-community-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

7 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Open House

Have you noticed it yet? The days are getting longer. The sun is starting to shine again. And, as the temps slowly begin to rise, people are venturing outside once more. The time is right to take advantage of Open Houses. Here, we discuss tips a successful open house experience for both sellers and buyers.

Open Houses are beneficial for sellers and buyers. It’s a great way for sellers to showcase their home. It’s also a stress-free way for buyers to learn more about a neighborhood, as well as determine what they like and don’t like in a home.

When done correctly, open houses can often help sell properties faster and sometimes for more money.  Depending on the condition of your home, this might mean simply sprucing a few things up. Or, it may mean a major overhaul with staging. My goal is to help sellers successfully prepare their home for viewing and get buyers to see potential opportunities.

Prepare for a Successful Open House

I’ve put together a list of tips to help sellers and buyers make the most of Open Houses. From townhomes and single-family homes to condos and lofts, you’ll be prepared to either sell or find your dream home.

1.  Sellers Need to Declutter, Declutter, Declutter!

Spend a few days getting rid of your clutter. Clear off the hall table, the dining room table, and your kitchen and bathroom counters. To make your space seem larger, consider moving some of your furniture to storage, the basement, or the garage. Now would also be a good time to remove personal and expensive items throughout the house, including prescription medicines and financial documents. You want buyers to feel welcome with the freedom to imagine their own items in the home.

2.  Focus On Detailed Cleaning For Your Open House

Before you set a date for your open house, do a major cleaning. You may even want to hire a service initially. No corner should be left untouched. This includes baseboards, windows (inside and out), window screens, windowsills, ceiling fans, lamps and lampshades, fireplaces, floors, walls, and appliances. In addition, make sure to clean bedding, towels, rugs and carpets, etc. Scour all of your bathrooms. Wash shower curtains and make sure tubs and toilets sparkle. Sweep your front porch or balcony, as well as your garage. Make sure your lawn is well maintained and clear of any toys or debris.

 Keeping your home clean throughout the week is the hardest part. To avoid major housework, do your best to tidy up every day.  On the day of your Open House, if the weather allows, open your windows to get fresh air circulating.

Just as sellers focus on every detail, buyers should do the same. Carefully look at baseboards, walls, and ceilings for signs of leaks, cracks, mold, or mildew.

3.  Set the Mood for Your Successful Open House

Set the tone for a pleasant experience by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Place flowers and plants on your porch or deck. Hang a wreath on your front door. Replace your outdoor mat with something fun for spring. If you have a driveway, move your car to the street for a better, unobstructed view.

As the homeowner, you may not realize your home harbors certain odors. Ask a friend or your realtor for their opinion. House odors are a major turnoff. However, rather than use air fresheners or highly scented candles, take time to thoroughly clean carpets, drapes, and other soft surfaces that may retain odors. It’s easy to rent carpet cleaners from Home Depot or your local grocery store. Add fresh scents and a burst of color with a few beautiful bouquets of flowers. Place them in your dining room, the kitchen, or the bathroom. Also, consider some sort of refreshments for visitors to enjoy.

Adjust your temperature depending on the weather. If it’s cold outside, make sure your home is warm and cozy. In warmer months, keep it cooler. This will also let potential buyers know your heating and cooling systems work.

Let the light in to make your home bright and cheery. Open the blinds, shutters, and drapes. Turn on all the lights and lamps. If certain rooms are dark, consider adding a table or floor lamp to improve your lighting.

If you have a yard, deck, or balcony, put out photos showcasing your outdoor space during warmer months so buyers can envision enjoying summer activities.

4.  Repairs and Staging

Go through your home and make a list of all the things that need to be repaired or replaced. Many of these can be quick fixes that will improve the appearance of your home. One of the easiest things you can do to freshen up your home is to paint it. Replacing cabinet doors and fixtures, rusty faucets, wall outlets, or scratched toilet seats won’t break the bank, but could potentially increase the value of your home. If some repairs, like leaks or electrical issues, are beyond your expertise, consider hiring a handyman.

Staging is another option to improve the marketability of your home. Making a few simple changes, inside and out, can drastically increase the value of your home, and potentially cover the expense.

While staging can make a home look better and diminish some superficial flaws, buyers should still pay close attention to every detail. What specific imperfections are deal breakers?

Open Houses can help buyers figure out their priorities when purchasing a home.

 5.What About Pets?

It’s best to remove your pet from your home on the day of the open house. With buyers coming and going, removing pets ensures their safety. You don’t want them to escape without anyone noticing. Take your dog for a walk, go to the dog park, or ask a friend if Fido can hang out at their place. Put your kitty in the carrier and head to a friend’s home. Before you go, it’s a good idea to remove all pet toys, food, and water bowls, beds, litter box, etc. Make sure to clean any pet stains and vacuum up pet hair.

While we love our pets, they can also be a source of stains and odors. Buyers should be wary of heavily scented homes, as well as carpet and flooring stains. This may not affect your decision to purchase a home, but it should be considered, especially if you have allergies.

6.  Setting a Date for Your Open House

Most open houses are scheduled on the weekends, but check the calendar before you set the date. While you don’t want to compete with major events or holidays, you may want to take advantage of neighborhood activities. Also, check the weather. If a snowstorm or frigid temperatures are predicted, not many will want to leave the comfort of their own home.

7.  Marketing and Social Media for Your Open House

Discuss advertising options with your realtor. Work together to create dynamic flyers with photos and pertinent information about your home. Promote your open house on your personal social media and don’t forget bulletin boards at your local grocery or coffee shop.

Sellers and Buyers:  Make the Best Of Open Houses and Get the Results you Want

While getting your home ready for an Open House may seem overwhelming at first, once everything is in order, it’s just a matter of maintaining your hard work.

Whether you’re selling or buying a single-family home, townhome, condo, or loft, the basics are the same. As a seller, your goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere that will assist potential buyers in seeing themselves as the next homeowner!  For buyers, it’s your opportunity to see what’s out there and determine what is most important when purchasing a new home. For more information about selling your home or finding a new home, visit my website.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT:  https://www.terribuseman.com/tips-for-successful-open-house/

Top 4 Reasons to Live in Wicker Park

In 2017, Wicker Park was named one of the 25 hottest neighborhoods in America by Hot Spot Rentals. Since then, it’s only continued to impress as one of the most vibrant communities in Chicago. While it received this accolade based on things like walkability, transit, budget, entertainment, and lifestyle, the soul of this dynamic area comes from its diversity and not just ethnic diversity, but its ability to blend all of its unique characteristics in harmony. While the area has been called a hipster spot thanks to an established arts community, as well as eclectic restaurants, bars, and nightlife, it’s also known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Located just west of the Kennedy Expressway, its boundaries are the 606/Bloomingdale Trail, Division St., Western Ave., and Ashland Ave. Wicker Park’s proximity to downtown makes it a great option for anyone working in the Loop. But there’s more! Check out these top four reasons to live in Wicker Park!

1. Variety of Real Estate in Wicker Park

From warehouse lofts and high-end condos to landmark designated mansions, historic cottages, brick walk-ups, townhomes and single-family homes, Wicker Park has an ample variety of housing for just about anyone. Whether you’re young and single, just married, starting a family, or an empty nester, you can find a place in the middle of all the excitement or a quiet, tree-lined street adorned with quaint gardens and remarkable architecture. There are many options to consider.

2. Wicker Parks and Recreation

Think living in the city means less green space? Think again. Wicker Park is home to some lovely outdoor public areas, beginning with its namesake, Wicker Park. Located at 1425 N. Damen Ave., this Chicago Park District facility covers almost five acres and features a field house with a gymnasium, an outdoor children’s playground with water extras, community gardens, a historic fountain, and a dog-friendly area, as well as a baseball field, basketball courts, and an athletic field for soccer or football.

Wicker Park is also home to part of the 606 Trail, (the Bloomingdale Trail) an exceptional elevated trail for walkers, cyclists, and joggers. This trail truly exemplifies the spirit and diversity of the community. You’ll find families going for a bike ride, friends strolling while enjoying a cup of coffee, or serious athletes getting their workout done surrounded by the sights and sounds of Wicker Park.

3. Entertainment & Dining

You’re never at a loss for something to do in Wicker Park. The intersection of N. Damen Ave., Milwaukee Ave., and North Ave. is a hotbed for nightlife, dining, and shopping. Cozy sidewalk cafes, sophisticated eateries, and trendy bars coexist with neighborhood pubs, music clubs, art galleries, vintage shops, and independently owned boutiques. Whether you want to listen to live music, dance the night away, laugh till it hurts, or add a little culture to your life, Wicker Park offers a variety of concert halls, dance clubs, comedy clubs, art galleries, and theaters. If you’re a foodie, then there’s plenty to explore here. There’s something for every palate – from comfort food like pizza, burgers, barbecue, and hot dogs, to a range of ethnic choices including Italian, Mediterranean, Latin, Asian, and Indian – just to name a few! You can also find exceptional vegan cafes, as well as warm and friendly spots for breakfast and brunch.

4. Transportation and Walkability

One of the perks of living in the city is being able to walk everywhere or take public transportation. Not having to rely on a car to get everywhere is liberating! Wicker Park scores high in this category. It’s easy to navigate whether it’s for recreation or purpose. When walking isn’t the quickest option, public transportation and cycling are great alternatives. With a number of Blue Line stops, and approximately eight CTA bus routes, getting to and from Wicker Park, neighboring communities, and into downtown couldn’t be any easier. And, between the 606 Trail, Milwaukee Ave. and a number of designated bike paths, cyclists can get to their destination with ease.

Find Your Dream Home in Wicker Park

If you’re ready to learn more about this exciting Chicago community, contact me or visit my Wicker Park Neighborhood page for more details including school information, market reports, and real estate listings. I’m passionate about finding the right home and community that best fits your lifestyle. Let me help you find your dream home in Chicago!

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT:  https://www.terribuseman.com/reasons-to-live-in-wicker-park/

Happy New Year! Begin the New Decade by Decluttering Your Home

2020 – a new decade and a fresh start! New Year’s resolutions have been made around the world for thousands of years and unfortunately for most of the time, few of us are successful in achieving our goals. One of the main reasons for this is that we set unrealistic goals with vague outcomes. Change can be overwhelming, but if broken down into small measurable steps, you’ll find you can succeed at your resolutions for 2020! So, start the decade with a clean slate by decluttering your home. Check out these simple tips to get you motivated and on your way!

1. New Resolutions – New Home  

For example, if one of your resolutions is to finally get your house in order and ready for sale, that can be a tall order! There are so many things to do that you may want to give up before you get started. But if you begin with one specific goal, you can tackle it and move on to the next. Whether you are planning on selling your home or just want to get organized, I suggest your first resolution for 2020 should be to declutter! Not only will it help make your home more presentable, it will also make you feel better! Clutter can be a huge source of stress and anxiety for many. Even the act of decluttering may seem too general, but we’ve broken it down for you by rooms and seasonal events to get you motivated! Pick one area each weekend or a simple project a few minutes each day and you’ll see the results quickly!

2. Seasonal Home Decluttering

The holidays are over. If you haven’t already, recycle your live tree. Chicago’s 2020 Tree Recycling Program runs January 4th – 18th at dozens of parks across the City. You can also recycle the lights that don’t work (you know you’re not going to find the one bulb that’s not working!). Take a look at your seasonal equipment and outdoor decorations.  Get rid of equipment that no longer works and cannot be repaired, etc. Before you buy new supplies, check what you have on hand.

3.  Decluttering Garage/Storage Closet/Kitchen

Over the years, the garage and the cabinet under the sink seem to accumulate a variety of items – empty and half-filled cans of old paint, tools you’ve never used, old batteries, light bulbs, car parts, deflated or broken sports equipment, and cleaning supplies for specific uses, etc. As Marie Kondo,  the tidying expert and bestselling author, would say – “Do these items spark joy?” Probably not, so say goodbye! Counter space in the kitchen is a premium! Take a look at your small appliances. If you don’t use them once a day or even once a week, find a place for them in your pantry or a cabinet or donate them.  Also, how many coffee cups do you actually need? Time to free up some space and donate them. The pantry is another space that seems to collect lots of clutter – spices, canned foods, utensils, and the aforementioned small appliances. One of the easiest tasks is to start with your spice rack. If you’ve had certain spices for years, it’s time to clear them out, especially the ones you never use! Next tackle all those canned goods, miscellaneous types of oils and vinegars, dry goods, and plastic containers! Toss expired items and the things you can’t remember the year you bought them. If your Tupperware doesn’t have a matching top or bottom, put it in the recycling bin.

4.  Living Room/Dining Room Decluttering

Does your dining room table double as a spot for mail, miscellaneous papers, bills, and magazines? This is one of those decluttering your home projects you could do for 5-10 minutes each day and it’s easy to see your results! Each day go through your mail. If you’re still getting bills, catalogs and flyers, go online and request to received bills and statements online. Request your name be removed from their mailing lists. If you still want to get their information, sign up for emails. For some reason, going through old papers can be paralyzing! There are so many, covering so many years! This is where small steps can be very beneficial. Grab a cup of coffee or a snack and set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Toss, shred, or file as many papers as you can in that time and then save the rest for another day. Do you have drawers filled with old cell phones, laptops, chargers, cameras, remotes, and electronic devices? What about those old TV’s that don’t work anymore? It’s time to let go. You can recycle or donate.  Make sure to erase your data from every device. Wipe the hard drive so it can’t be retrieved by anyone else.

5. Decluttering Bathroom and Bedroom

Remodeling your kitchen can be a costly venture. And, if you’re thinking of selling in a few years, you want to make sure that you will get a return on your investment. If you don’t want to go all out, but want to make some simple changes, there are some simple enhancements you can make. Start with painting your kitchen or your cabinets. Change out your hardware. Revamp your faucets. You can also update your lighting. Pendant lights or a linear fixture will give your kitchen a whole new feel. If your appliances are on their last leg, consider splurging on statement appliances or hoods. One of the easiest ways to dispose of items is to check the expiration date! It can be so satisfying to fill a bag with items you no longer need or can use. These are also tasks that will take just a few minutes. First go through all your medications – prescription and over the counter. Put anything expired in a bag and take to a pharmaceutical drop-box located at over 20 Chicago Police Stations citywide. In addition, many pharmacies, including Walgreens, now have these drop boxes. Rush Medical Center also has them. Cosmetics also create a lot of clutter. While we all have our favorite blushes, lipsticks, and eye shadows, we really don’t need to save the containers with just a smidgen of make-up left. And, if you haven’t worn a specific item in months or even years, toss it! Doing laundry is also a good time to weed out extra items. Do you really need all of those towels, pillows, and extra sets of sheets? As you put clothes away, notice the ones you haven’t worn in months or years, as well as the items your kids can no longer wear. Pack them away to donate.So, keep to your resolution – just a little each day or maybe a few hours every weekend and you’ll see noticeable results in decluttering your home. Tackling these small tasks will motivate you to do more and take on bigger projects. It’s a great way to begin preparing your home to sell and it’s a positive start to the New Year! Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. May your home be filled with love, laughter, and happiness!

Need Help in Decluttering your Home and Preparing For Home Sale?

 

If you are thinking about selling your home and would like to talk with a professional realtor as to how to declutter and prepare your home for sale, give me a call.  I would be happy to help you assess what is best for selling your home.

Don’t throw certain items out with the trash.

 

The city offers a range of services to help residents reduce their waste. The city’s Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility (1150 N. North Branch Street) accepts a variety of items, including household cleaners, oil-based paints, solvents, cell phones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, computers and related equipment.For items not accepted by the city, search Earth911. With over 350 materials and 100,000+ listings, it maintains one of the most extensive recycling databases.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/decluttering-your-home-tips/

Charitable Giving Opportunities During the Holidays: Making a Difference in your Local Community

The holidays are officially upon us.  Congratulations on surviving the excitement of Thanksgiving and the madness of Black Friday. But, we’ve still got weeks to go! For some, the stress of parties, gift giving, and decorating will begin to overshadow the true meaning of the season. If you’re looking to take a step back and make a difference this year, then you’ll appreciate these suggestions of charitable giving opportunities you can do during the holidays in the South Loop. We’ve put together a list of ideas with help from a number of local sources including Gazette Chicago, the award-winning free monthly newspaper that serves 10 Chicago neighborhoods. Every December, since 1984, the Gazette publishes its Spirit of Giving, a listing of organizations working to help those in need throughout the Chicago area. Check out their December issue for the complete listing. Our blog focuses on charitable giving opportunities during the Holidays in the South Loop, Near South, and Loop communities.

Charitable Giving Navigator for this  Holiday Season – South Loop, The Loop, and Near South

 

Coat & Winter Clothing Drives:

 

Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance – 10th Annual PDNA Holiday Winter Coat Drive, Sat., Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Give the gift of warmth! Drop off coats, gloves, scarves, hats, and boots for adults, boys, and girls at the Chicago Women’s Park Field House Lobby, 1801 S. Indiana Ave. (*Uniforms are a plus – navy blue button down or khaki pants.) For more information, email pdna.chicago@gmail.com

Second Presbyterian Church hosts a winter coat drive through February 2020. Donate warm clothes, sweaters, caps, hoodies, scarves, and sweatshirts. Drop off donations at 1936 S. Michigan Ave., Tues. through Sat., from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The church’s Lunch Bag Program is also collecting used winter coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies gloves, scarves, mittens, caps, and socks. Donated items can be placed in the receptacle in Fellowship Hall. For more information, please call the church office (312) 225-4951.

True Rock Ministries (57 E. 16th St.) provides a variety of immediate needs in conjunction with various agencies and organizations within the South Loop and throughout the city of Chicago. Known for extensive community outreach projects such as their Acts of Kindness Initiative, the organization’s charitable giving opportunities include donating furniture to families, sponsoring Holiday Coat and Christmas Toy Giveaways and participating in the LaRabida Christmas Clothing Drive. If you are interested in donating or would like to volunteer please call 312-939-1109.

Chicago Cares – Warm Up Chicago
Help sort and pack donations for Chicago Cares’ Warm Up Chicago Drive.  The Warm Up Chicago Drive has over 20 community partners that include shelters, schools, and social service agencies. Those who receive donations will include veterans, the homeless, and immigrants. For more information, call or email 312-780-0800, info@chicagocares.org.

Meals & Food Drives:

Every Saturday morning from 8:30 to 11 a.m., volunteers with The Homeless Ministry of the First United Methodist Church (Chicago Temple) serve meals to men and women at Grace Place Episcopal Church, (637 S. Dearborn St.) in Printer’s Row. Approximately 15-20 volunteers are needed each Saturday to help with registering guests, preparing and serving meals, set-up, clothing distribution, and clean up. They also need volunteers to help during the week with cooking, donation pick-ups at local establishments, clothing organizations, and driving on Saturdays. Call (312) 912-1246 for more information. To volunteer, sign up at http://gracechicago.org/contact-us/
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Ave., The Lunch Bag program provides lunch to approximately 150-200 neighbors a week. Volunteers serve salads and sandwiches donated by local establishments and supplemented by purchased food from the Greater Chicagoland Food Depository. For more information, call (312) 225-4951.

Lakeside Bank lobbies will serve as drop-off sites for non-perishable foods as part of its annual food drive in conjunction with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Drop off donations during normal business hours at 2200 S. Archer Ave., 1350 S. Michigan Ave., and 1055 W. Roosevelt Rd. Call (312) 435-5100 or go to www.lakesidebank.com for more information.

The food pantry at St. James Catholic Church, (2907 S. Wabash Ave.) accepts nonperishable food items and toiletries. The church seeks help preparing distribution bags, stocking shelves, and many other tasks for operating its food pantry. Call (312) 842-1919 for more information.

Holiday Gift/Toy Drives:

First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple is participating in ChildServ’s annual Holiday Gift Drive and will collect gifts for families in need on Sundays, December 1st, 8th, and the 15th at 8:30 a.m. Gift ideas include: books for all ages, stuffed animals, footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, coloring books, puzzles, Legos, building blocks, hats and gloves.

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community. Drop off locations near the South Loop include: National Louis University (122 S Michigan Avenue), Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. till Dec. 6, and DePaul University (1 E. Jackson Blvd.), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. till Dec. 10.

BLACKHAWKS Toy Drive

Vienna Beef is proud to sponsor the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation Annual Toy Drive at home games on Dec. 15th and 18th. Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations to be entered into a nightly drawing to win Blackhawks prizes. The toys will be given to patients and their families at hospitals and local organizations throughout the Chicagoland area. Collection bins will also be located at all Blackhawks Store locations and Fifth Third Arena through Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Operation Santa makes it possible for individuals and organizations to adopt letters to Santa and send responses and thoughtful gifts. Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters sent to Santa arrive at Post Offices around the country. Letters ask for toys, games, and basic necessities.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago seeks donations of new, unwrapped toys in their original packaging for distribution to children at the organization’s Toy Shower. Drop off toys for this special event until Fri., Dec. 12, at 721 N. LaSalle St. or at any of the organization’s suburban sites. Catholic Charities also seeks monetary donations for Sponsor-a-Family and volunteers to sort and package donated gifts. Contact Catholic Charities at (312) 655-7401, COG@catholiccharities.net, or www.catholiccharities.net/celebration.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program is an opportunity to spread joy and cheer to the less fortunate during the holidays through Dec. 22. Families and children have their specific needs and wants met for a warm and joyous holiday experience. To participate in the program, simply view and select Angel Tree tags online, shop from home, and even ship Christmas toys directly to The Salvation Army center closest to you! Or you can purchase a new toy, boots, gloves, outerwear—anything you would like to give to a needy child—and drop it off (unwrapped) at your nearest Salvation Army location. You can also print Angel Tree Tags to exhibit or distribute at your place of business. For more information, call 773-205-3516 or email uscmet.holidaydonate@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Explore these Charitable Giving Opportunities During the Holidays and Make a Difference in our Chicago Communities

 

2019 has been an amazing year. I am humbled and grateful to all of you for entrusting the selling and purchasing of your family’s home. It is a great privilege. I hope you and your loved ones find joy in all the magic of this season. Make sure to take time for yourself and time to explore these charitable giving and volunteer events. May you enjoy everything the holidays have to offer including the opportunity to make a difference in our South Loop community.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/charitable-giving-opportunities-during-the-holidays/

South Loop Condos for Sales Report

Modern & Luxury Condos for Sale South Loop.

 

This MLS listing report gives you up-to-date information about the South Loop Condos for sale.  Take a look, customize your search, and let me know if I can be of help with your next real estate transaction in my beloved neighborhood, the South Loop.

The South Loop has transformed from a former light industrial and transportation hub into an ethnically diverse and vibrant neighborhood. The South Loop offers a diverse variety of single-family homes, townhomes, lofts, and modern and luxury condos. It also offers a variety of shopping, cultural, and entertainment options. Ease of commuting with convenient access to public transportation is a priority in the South Loop allowing you to spend more time with your family and less time in your car. The South Loop is also home to some of the best schools in Chicago, and not to mention the amazing cultural and sports attractions.

Explore the MLS for Apartments, Lofts, and Condos in the South Loop

 

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/south-loop-condos-for-sales-report/