By HM staff

While the world was focused on shutdowns, restrictions and doing less, the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society (CHIW) focused on how to do more in order to achieve its goal of supporting those less fortunate. Embracing the challenges and obstacles that COVID presented, the
50-member volunteer organization pivoted quickly to LIGHT UP THE NIGHT in bigger, better ways. First up, the society increased its charming tradition of Christmas Eve luminaria by lighting up local parks in addition to the driveways and streets of Clarendon Hills. Second, it moved its annual benefit event online featuring entertainment from WGN News anchor and comedian Pat Tomasulo. Thanks to Danielle Wheeler, CHIW member and owner of Maison Cuisine, catering and decor packages were dropped at members’ homes to create a festive, yet safe, environment for people to celebrate and support the organization. The result? A record-breaking year where more time and money were given to Chicago’s Angel Harvey Family Health Center.

More than 14,000 patients walk through the doors of the Clinic and are provided with 55,000 medical, dental and mental health care visits a year – which without the Center’s support would have been out of reach to these families. Looking forward, the organization is focused on shattering records again through its annual Coat Drive with CD One Price Cleaner (Oct-Nov), Christmas Eve Luminaria sales (Nov. 26-Dec. 24) and various social events including its massive annual gala event. New this year, the benefit event will be held on Friday, April 22 at Butterfield Country Club with a fabulously floral, garden party twist. Recently, you may have seen more than 400 witches biking the streets of Clarendon Hills donned in adorable black T-shirts while passing out candy before Halloween. With the T-shirt design donated by Root & Bloom Chiropractic, and sold through Vintage Charm, all of the proceeds from the “witches ride” T-shirts went to the Auxiliary. This is just one of the many community give-back moments CHIW has coordinated in the past year. Right now the organization is connecting socially while supporting local businesses. From hosting coat drives at the new Open Door Tap Room and Bottleshop, to holding chapter meetings at local restaurants like Neat Kitchen and Bar, and even sponsoring a Christmas Tree in the Clarendon Hills Village, CHIW remains committed to banding together as a community and a group for the greater good. Visit www.clarendonhillsinfantwelfare.org where you can order luminaria kits, purchase gala tickets, donate money and learn more.

*Photo provided by Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare