Cost was higher this year ($20 per car suggested donation; donations benefit the Mooseheart Child…read moreCity and School) but worth it because they have more lights! Plus there aren't that many drive-through things to do out there in the world, so in a time of social distancing this is worth knowing about. There isn't the Silly Moose game this year, but you can drop a letter to Santa in the mailbox at the end of the ride, so come prepared! Rune 5-9 pm through the end of the year. A charming holiday tradition for a good cause.

Mooseheart International Christmas night show. It was spectacular to see how well organized the…read moreshow was. As you about to enter it says free but when you get closer they stop you and ask $10 per car. I was so disappointed because even the flyers say free to public and yet they demand $10 dollars. Ok I was ok let me pay since there is no way for me to back up and say no thank you. I really enjoyed the scatted lights and the cars in front of YIU that drive with lights off people hanging out of the cars taking pictures very scary and dangerous. Be warned about the dangers of the people that drive with passengers hanging out of the cars videotaping. Not fun. I guess between the lights and the dumb people hanging out of the cars it was like what did I get my self into plus I had to pay for stress. Merry Christmas

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. We were…read moreguests at a recent fundraiser and this was our first exposure to this organization. I could not have said it any better, so this is directly from their website: "CASA Kane County is a nonprofit volunteer organization that has been advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system since 1988. CASA Kane County recruits, trains, and supervises community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates and Guardians ad Litem (CASA/GAL) for children who are in court due to abuse, neglect or private guardianship. The goal is to ensure that every child is placed in a safe and permanent home allowing them the chance to reach their full potential in life." They had me at children. Kane County has over 600 children in their system. There are 35 organizations within the state of Illinois. Seriously, is there any more deserving population?

This entire operation is to grab your information (name, phone, email, age) and sell it to…read morecompanies so you can be spammed to death from Pakistan, India, etc. on selling you services for poorer people. They won't give you food unless you give them a state ID or driver's license- they want your info! Food: Lots of over-processed stuff that causes cancers, diabetes, inflammation. Lots of products with High Fructose Corn Syrup, MSG, salts, etc...

I am very pleased with the work done by NI Food Bank. I know some people have complained about…read moretheir treatment when volunteering. ("Nothing to do". "Sat there for 15 minutes.", etc.). This is most regrettable. But the objective of this and any charity to provide assistance to all those in need. That is the end goal for everyone participating in some form or fashion. Almost everyone there is engaged in inspecting and packaging food. I'm sorry a few felt left out. But that's no reason to dis a very fine charity that serves hundreds of thousands of people throughout Illinois. It's not about you. It's about those in need.

I've been a volunteer and donor for years with Shelter, Inc. They are an amazing organization…read morehelping children and families every year. I've really enjoyed volunteering with them making an impact on the local community and helping children in need.

It's scary to review Shelter Inc. When you have to be nice to them in hopes they will do the right…read morething but after 4 months I'm realizing they are going to do whatever they want to do regardless of anything I say or do. Don't get involved with their Foster Care Program, they are destroying families and the kids are the ones that suffer the trauma and long term effects. They claim to keep families together, what a joke. Do some research, other people are saying the same things I'm saying.

I have been going to the Mosaic School since January 2025 and have taken 3 classes. The teachers…read moreare great, the atmosphere is welcoming, and I tell all of my friends and family about this place! Nowhere else in the U.S. is there an art school that has such a focus on mosaics. I've learned so much -- they provide the materials and the expertise. I've met some really wonderful people and friends and am already signed up for their stained glass class in September!

Just spent the most amazing weekend at the Chicago Mosaic School. I traveled over 500 miles to get…read morethere and it was well worth my time and effort. I felt the atmosphere to be warm and accepting, accommodating those with little experience and those who spend their lives being creative. It was a perfect balance of informational, historical and hands on Glass work. All my questions were thoroughly answered and I left feeling inspired and eager to utilize what I learned. I would recommend this school to any and all. An added bonus is the eclectic neighborhood, warm and charming teacher, Lydia, inclusive atmosphere and creative vibe that persisted throughout the class.

It was ny first time volunteering at this charity. They were very welcoming and explained their…read moremission and how they help other charitable organizations. The work was helping organize pots in the warehouse and it felt rewarding to contribute. I would definitely do it again

I just placed my first small order at GiveNKind for holiday cards to send to Board members of our…read morenon-profit organization, and I am happy with my order. I received 80 cards for $10 and cannot wait to write on them. Each card is packed in its own plastic sleeve and some are really cute and festive pop-up cards. They are really good quality paper too. I did have to pull several cards that seemed odd or inappropriate but otherwise it was a great deal. It's a little far from my service area to drive to their site in Buffalo Grove, but I look forward to more orders in the future. Note that they only ship on orders of $300 and up. It is not a place for personal use but if you work for or own a 501(c) 3 organization, check this place out for sure. The application process was easy. The staff is also super friendly, helpful and customer service focused. They are helping many non-profits, keeping volunteers active, and keeping items out of our landfills too.

After 5:00 summer series Wednesday wine down:I recently visited this Little Black Pearl, and I have…read moreto say the energy when I walked in was great. I was surrounded by such positive, welcoming people of all ages. Throughout the night, we sang karaoke, played cards, shot pool and listened to good music. What really stood out to me was how safe, inclusive, and comfortable the environment felt. Everyone was so kind and genuine. But what truly touched my heart was how the community embraced my brother, who is special needs. There was no judgment only acceptance, laughter, and open arms. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like I had to be on guard, watching to make sure he was being treated with respect because everyone just welcomed. It was a relaxing night filled with connection and joy. I would absolutely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, warm, and safe space. Thank you for such an unforgettable expeience.

The organization for which I work recently held an event at Little Black Pearl (LBP). The support…read moreand service we received was beyond stellar! LBP provided the space, catered the food (via their onsite cafe, Carver 47), connected us to amazing balloon and floral vendors, and provided other accoutrements (e.g., tables and chairs, table coverings, a stage, sound and tech support, package management). LBP's one-stop shop especially helpful given that our planning team resided outside of Chicago. There is so much to applaud from the experience: the warm and inviting space exuded elegance; the feast was as beautiful as it was delicious; and the LBP team's interactions with us (from planning to completion) was the epitome of grace and hospitality. They accommodated every request and did so with an exceptional level of excellence. When we asked that the menu include a vegetarian and Halal dish, they ensured guests had multiple options. When we requested assistance erecting our banner, they took on the task of assembling the entire structure, even machine washing and drying it when they noticed a stain. Compared to other spaces we considered (and have used in the past) across the city, LBP's offerings and support stood head and shoulders above and their love was palpable in their attention to details.That they have a heart-centered mission and work in support of youth and community was tasty icing on an already amazing cake. Thank you, Little Black Pearl team, for making our event a world-class experience!