Upcoming Events  

Annual Meeting
January 28, 2010
MidAmerica Club,
Chicago

Bowl-A-Rama
February 13 & 14
Stardust Bowl, Addison

Family Engagement for Restoring Youth:
A National Family Week Community Forum 
February 27, 2010
Trinity Lutheran School, Springfield

                                                      

We celebrate the  difference you made possible 

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois set out to ensure that all 1200 children that we serve statewide through foster care, community services and youth residential facilities had a gift under the Christmas tree this year.  Thanks to the overwhelming generosity or our supporters we were able to make this Christmas wish come true. 

Northern Illinois

Christmas is meant to be a time of joy and happiness shared with family. But for children in foster care the Christmas Season does not always bring happy memories. 

This Christmas, LCFS was able to share Christmas blessings with our over 400 foster children and Lutherbrook youth in Northern Illinois through the generous response of local community members, congregations, businesses and other organizations. Click here for a list of donors.

The outpouring of support came in a variety of ways.  Some supporters went out and bought toys and delivered them to designated drop off spots. Others made financial contributions to defray the cost of purchasing gifts that might have fallen off Santa's sleigh. Lutherbrook residents made wish lists which were then fulfilled by donors.  Finally, volunteers stuffed age appropriate stockings for all of the children. Click here to view pictures.

Our annual Chicago West Christmas Party for foster families and families served through LCFS' community service programs such as Intact Family Recovery and Building Solid Families took place on December 9th.  Members of Christ Lutheran Church in Orland Park generously underwrote the entire event. Parents were able to bring their children for a fun evening of delicious food, crafts, games and the ultimate attraction of Santa. It was a wonderful experience to see the look of pure joy on each child's face as they sat on Santa's lap and then received a stocking filled with toys.

The LCFS staff would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed toward making this holiday season brighter for those we serve.

Central Illinois

Christmas comes but once a year. For most of us that is. For others, Christmas might not come at all. Thanks to the generous supporters of LCFS over 400 children in Central Illinois received toys and gifts under the tree that might not have gotten them on their own. These foster care children spent the holiday away from their biological families while living with foster parents. Although, this is always done in the best interest of the child, it can be a difficult time. Click here to see a list of donors.

To brighten the spirits of the children, LCFS hosted Christmas parties in both Springfield and Decatur. Each party was filled with games, prizes and a visit from Santa. Age appropriate Christmas stockings were given out to the children who attended. Click here to view pictures.

LCFS social workers were able to choose gifts for each child in their care from toys that were donated from local community members, congregations, businesses and other organizations. Gift cards were also available for teenagers that would prefer to pick out their own gifts.

Thanks to all who participated in this drive, our children experienced the love and excitement that is the Christmas season.

Southern Illinois

Christmas wishes come in all shapes and sizes. Some slide neatly into envelopes while others are too large to wrap with anything more than a bow. Even more diverse are those making the Christmas wishes. They range in age from newborn to teenager and come to LCFS through all sorts of programs such as foster care, the Family Support Program, the Fathers’ Center, Southern Thirty Adolescent Center and other Community Services Programs.

Early in the season, LCFS staff collected wish lists from the children in their care. It was through the support of local congregations, businesses, individuals and other organizations that these wishes were filled. This year, over 300 children received a toy, gift card or package that filled their unique wish, making it a Merry Christmas for all who participated. Click here to see a list of donors.

If your story wasn't included and you would like to share it, please contact Erin Ferguson at 708-488-5532.  Thank you.