This year, why not give the most valuable gift of all – yourself. For those with little to no family, a nursing home can be a lonely place. Here are a couple of places where you can bring the joy of the holidays to someone who could really use a friend this Christmas. Oak Lawn Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center Located at 9525 S. Mayfield in Oak Lawn, Oak Lawn Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center cares for about 70 residents. While some residents see family and friends often, others have very few visitors. "The holidays can be depressing for residents when they have no family," Mel Pucket…

This year, many more people have found themselves in need of food assistance than in previous years. The Greater Chicago Food Depository reports the need for emergency food assistance is increassing  in Cook County. "One in eight Cook County residents are served through the Chicago Food Depository or at one of our many food pantries, soup kitchens or shelters throughout the city," says Bob Dolgan, spokesman for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. According to a recent study, the Greater Chicago Food Depository also reports that the recession and rising unemployment rates have caused a 36 …

This Christmas season, many will give gifts and spend time with loved ones. Some will splurge a little this year, just to see the warm, smiling faces of children as they tear open beautifully wrapped gift boxes. After all the presents have been opened, the family will gather around a bountiful dinner display to enjoy a special holiday feast. Unfortunately for some, this experience will only be seen in the movies. These days, many families are cutting back on expenses causing them to sacrifice many of the things they desire to provide for their families. Wesleyan Community Church, located at …

Santa has his reindeer just as many of us have our dogs and cats. Animals need love this Christmas too. During this season of giving, there are ways that you can help animals find new homes and receive treatment if they are sick. How and Where to Give The Animal Welfare League is a no-kill animal shelter that houses about 1,200 animals located at 10305 Southwest Highway in Chicago Ridge. "We take in any animal that comes through our door—be it a goat, horse, dog or cat," says Cory Berndt, spokeswoman for the Animal Welfare League "We try to find the animal's home if they're lost or find them …

What is Christmas for children without toys? When it comes to making Christmas dreams come true, there are several ways that you can help Santa make every child light up on Christmas morning. You can join the Toy Box Connection in showing children that there's no recession at the North Pole. How and Where to Give The Toy Box Connection is a non-profit organization that helps provide toys for children who receive few, if any toys on Christmas, throughout the southwest suburbs. "We are a non-profit that helps other non-profits," says Michelle Maxia, founder of the Toy Box Connection. "I feel …

"In years past, there's never been more need than what I've seen in these times," says Arlene Sladek, executive administrator for Worth Township. As Christmas draws near, some parents are struggling just to provide the basics for their families, let alone Christmas gifts. But, there's hope for these families. With your generous donations, you can help Worth Township make this season bright for your neighbors in need. How and Where to Give The Worth Township Youth Commission is sponsoring the "Christmas Care" program for families that find themselves in financial difficulty this holiday …

Before you get yourself all wrapped up in bows and tinsel this holiday season, take a look around and see what you can do to help someone in need. There are many places in Oak Lawn that are accepting donations and looking for volunteers to help the less fortunate this Christmas. Park Lawn, located at 10833 S. LaPorte Avenue in Oak Lawn, is one place where you can put your resources to good use. How and Where To Give Park Lawn has joined with Standard Bank this Christmas in offering "Holiday Hope for Park Lawn".  "This is the first time we've partnered with Standard Bank," said Park Lawn …