Need unique gift ideas for the holidays?

Give Gifts that Give Back!

With toy recalls, limited budgets, soaring gas prices and crowds at the mall, you may be searching for holiday gift inspiration.  Before you bundle up, start online from the comfort of home by searching these websites and organizations that provide you with the opportunity to give gifts that give back to the environment, charitable organizations and make you feel good about giving!

  Looking for toys made in the U.S.A.?  Try http://www.ourgreenhouse.com/foundations/store/shopcart.asp for natural toys, organic baby clothes, bedding, towels, gift baskets, and healthy pet gift alternatives.  All items are made with 100% sustainable materials by U.S. farmers.

If you plan to buy gadgets and toys this year, you are going to need batteries, batteries and more batteries.  Go green at http://www.greenbatteries.com/.  This is your one-stop shop for rechargeable batteries, solar powered batteries as well as answering battery questions and myths.

For the woman in your life who likes spa products (and who doesn't!), try http://www.thebodyshop.com/bodyshop/index.jsp for health, beauty and spa items that are organic.  The company supports sustainable agriculture, fair trade and numerous awareness programs.

You have grandpa for the this year's family grab bag.  Great.  What do you give the person who has everything?  How about a goat?  A goat?!  Heifer.org is an organization that provides animals to different worldwide communities to end hunger and poverty.  You can bet grandpa never got a goat before as a gift!

For more inspiration, click here!
 

Make a difference in the Wauconda area!

The Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry is always looking for donations of canned goods, non-perishable food items, health and beauty products, and with the cold weather, hats, gloves and scarves.  The Wauconda/Island Lake food pantry serves anywhere from 80 to 100 families per month.  For more information, contact Yolanda Segovia at 847-526-2653 or at ysegovia@waucondatownship.com.

This year, why not get the whole family involved and participate in the Holiday Basket program through the Wauconda Township office.   Adopt a single person  or a family and make other holiday wishes come true!  Once a donator and recipient are matched, wish lists will be given that include suggestions, sizes, colors, etc.  For more information or to make a general donation, contact Yolanda Segovia at 847-526-2653 or at ysegovia@waucondatownship.com.   

For the chef in your family, purchase a Friends of the Library cookbook.  The proceeds benefit the Friends organization, which promotes the library in the community as well as assists in the development of library programs and services.  You can also give the gift of a Friends' membership!
 

Food for Fines
December 1 - January 6

Bring in your overdue materials with some items for the Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry, and your fines will be waived.  This promotion is not valid for video or DVD fines.

The food pantry and library will accept the following:

• Canned goods

• Non-perishable food items

• Health and beauty products

• Hats, gloves and scarves

Items contributed should be comparable to the fines being waived.

We appreciate your support this holiday season!