CHIGIVESBACK PARTNERED WITH RELATED AFFORDABLE HOST PARKWAY GARDENS HOLIDAYTO BRING GIFTS FOR CHILDREN AND A VISIT FROM SANTA

CHICAGO—Parkway Gardens residents marked the holidays with a Winter Wonderland Experience and gifts for all residents 18 and under on Saturday, December 11. ChiGivesBack partnered with Related Midwest and Related Affordable to deliver toys for the youth.

700 residents enjoyed individually-wrapped cookies, games, holiday music and a photo opportunity with Santa on Saturday in a heated tent at Parkway Gardens. Residents 18 and under received a toy or gift card. Guests were invited to enjoy a hot beverage at the Future Ties Hot Chocolate Station and join Project H.O.O.D. to create a holiday card using their photo with Santa. “Every family should feel the holiday spirit this time of year,” said Curt Bailey, President of Related Midwest. “Being able to share this holiday and do something special for our residents is something that the Related team looks forward to every year, especially after the events of 2020 kept us apart. We’re so happy that we could create a winter wonderland for the families and children of Parkway Gardens.”

“We applaud the teams at Related Midwest and Related Affordable for their leadership on behalf of the families at Parkway Gardens,” said Kouri Marshall, Co-Founder of ChiGivesBack. “It was a joy to celebrate, share Christmas cheer and see the excitement of the kids as they selected their gifts.” Power 92’s HotRod played festive tunes throughout the event as attendees took part in musical chairs, holiday bingo, limbo and more games. ChiGivesBack and Related volunteers helped children pick out their presents and handed out treats. Residents were encouraged to take home a photo with Santa to remember the day as well as a holiday cookie or cake pop.

Children received free face painting and decorated holiday cards, and guests enjoyed food from Harold’s Chicken Shack. The outdoor setting and additional safeguards offered space for residents to attend safely during the pandemic. “In this season we’re proud to bring warmth, light and delight to Parkway Gardens,” said Jennifer Maddox, Future Ties Executive Director. “More than ever, it’s time to reflect on how we can give back to our neighbors and especially our children.”