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True Impact: Inside Chicago Lights | Virtual Chats

We do this by empowering people through access to creative youth development and social services that help individual build the skills they need to break the cycle of poverty and lead fulfilling lives.

Your dollars go far to help build brighter futures.

When you donate to Chicago Lights, your gift goes directly toward programs that create opportunities for youth and adults to break the cycle of poverty. Make a gift today to change lives.

Donate

Every dollar you give goes directly toward empowering youth in need.

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Corporate Involvement

Volunteer

Create a meaningful team-building environment, deepen your impact with Chicago Lights, and give back to the local community by participating in a corporate volunteer experience.

Workplace Giving

Host a charitable event through our workplace! Chicago Lights is thankful to receive funds raised through jean days, golf tournaments, and other various charitable workplace events.

Volunteer Grants

Employee volunteer grants are part of workplace giving programs created to support volunteerism in communities where employees live and work. Through these “dollars for doers” efforts, companies provide monetary grants to organizations where employees and retirees volunteer on a regular basis.

In-Kind Contributions

Your company’s donation of goods and services has the power to make a lasting impact with the programs of Chicago Lights. No matter the contribution, your expertise and gifts help sustain and grow our impact in the Chicago area.

Event Sponsorship

Host a charitable event through our workplace! Chicago Lights is thankful to receive funds raised through jean days, golf tournaments, and other various charitable workplace events.

Questions about corporate involvement? Contact Associate Director of Development Laura Woods at lwoods@chicagolights.org / 312.981.3564.

Other Ways to Give

United Way

Give back to Chicago Lights through your company’s United Way campaign. You can designate your pledge to Chicago Lights through United Way’s Donor Choice Program. Simply follow the instructions on your pledge form or write in Chicago Lights’ contact information: Chicago Lights, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611.

Amazon Wish List

Donating items directly from our Amazon wish lists is a great way to give back while knowing that these items are in high-demand and greatly needed for our youth and adults. Items are tax-free and shipped directly to Chicago Lights.

Dance Academy

Social Service Center

Summer Day

Tutoring

Urban Farm

Notes

Due to privacy restrictions, Amazon does not provide customer information. If you purchase items from our Amazon wish lists, please forward your receipt to Associate Director of Development Laura Woods at lwoods@chicagolights.org / 312.981.3564 so we can send you a thank you.

Tribute Gift

Create a lasting, positive legacy by giving a tribute gift dedicated to someone or marking a special occasion. Chicago Lights acknowledges these gifts by sending an appropriate note to the family or honoree. The amount of your gift will not be mentioned, and a separate receipt will be sent to you. During the holiday season, your tribute gifts become part of the Light Up a Life giving program. Contact Associate Director of Development Laura Woods at lwoods@chicagolights.org / 312.981.3564 to learn more.

Stock Transfer

Give with ease through a stock transfer. For stock transfers, contact Director of Development Katy Frey Bever at kbever@chicagolights.org / 312.981.3380

Matching Gift Opportunities

Matching gifts are a great way to double or triple your gift—making an even greater impact. Many companies match employees’, retirees’, and employees’ spouses’ donations. You may submit the form with your gift or any time during the tax year in which your gift was given.

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In-Kind Donations

Due to COVID-19, we can only accept donations purchased from an online retailer and shipped to Chicago Lights Social Service Center, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611.

We cannot accept drop-off donations at this time. Please see our current-needs list here. These items are in order of need, with greatest need listed first.

Men’s jeans (34-42)
Men’s shorts (M-3X)
T-shirts (2X-3X)
Men’s underwear (L-2X)
Deodorant
Razors

Women’s jeans (8-14)
Women’s shorts (S-2XL)
Sweatpants (M-3X)
Sweatshirts and long-sleeved shirts (M-3X)
Men’s shoes (10+)
Women’s shoes (8+)

Due to storage and safety issues, we cannot accept children’s clothing and toys; stained or torn clothing; open, expired, or prepared food; electronics; furniture; and medicine.