Plainfield Lions Club Creche Lighting is Saturday

61st annual holiday event is at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at Plymouth Congregational Church. Revelers will sing as the life-size Nativity scene is illuminated.

Local Area Volunteer Opportunities

A collection of volunteer opportunities throughout the area.

Looking to do something nice for others? Check out our list of volunteer opportunities in the area. Most were found via volunteermatch.com. If you or your organization is in need of volunteers for an upcoming event or project, please add them in the comments below. When: Dec. 1, 9 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Where: Old Post Elementary What: A great opportunity for your children to shop in a safe and fun environment.  We will have elves available to guide the children with their choices, keep them on budget, and even help them wrap up their gifts.   Please come and join in on the fun! As always, volunteers are greatly needed (junior high age or older).  Contact:  Colleen Scaramuzzi at Michael_J_Scaramuzzi@yahoo.com or phone at(630) 554-9551.  When: …

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Plainfield Needy Family Drive Making Holidays Bright for the 20th Year

The annual donation drive enters its second decade — here's how you can help local families in need during the season of giving.

Editor's note: The following is a press release issued by District 202: The Plainfield High School-Central Campus Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) is collecting monetary donations for its 20th annual Christmas drive for needy District 202-area families. The PHSCC PTSO will use the money received to provide Christmas dinner and buy individual gifts for needy District 202 families. Last year the PTSO helped more than 30 families in the District 202 community. “No matter what else is happening, there are always needy families in our community,” said Linda Hanley, the coordinator of the Christmas drive. “We do our best to help everyone that we can.”  The PTSO helps as many families as are identified, and has never turned away anyone …

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Plainfield Park District Launches Annual Holiday Decorating Contest

Deadline to enter is Dec. 12.

Can't Wait for Santa? Mall Visits Start Saturday

Father Christmas will be setting up outside the Macy's store in Louis Joliet Mall starting Nov. 10, and he even has his own app this year.

Thanksgiving? Black Friday? Heck, no, Santa's not waiting. He's got people to see, lists to check, candy canes to hand out. And he'll be setting up shop at the Louis Joliet Mall in Joliet at 10 a.m. Sunday, where he'll remain until all gift wishes have been whispered in his ear until Christmas Eve. Visitors of all ages can visit in the court area just outside Macy's. He'll be holding court from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays (with breaks from 1 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m.) and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays (with a break from 2 to 3 p.m.). Every child will receive a free gift, and photos will be available for purchase. Packages start at $21 and top out at $45. This year, Kris Kringle's also going high-tech. Fans can download a "…

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Local Holiday Markets and Fairs for Holiday Shopping

Looking to get a head start on your holiday shopping? Check out some of these local holiday craft and market fairs.

Looking for some local holiday markets or craft fairs to get a head start on your holiday shopping? We’ve got you covered.  Holiday Craft Fair What: Crafters selling homemade creations; a concession stand, bake sale and chances to win items from participating crafters When: Saturday, Nov. 3 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Where: St. Mary Immaculate gym, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield Cost: Free Holiday Sparkle Fair What: Crafts from around the world, handmade dog leashes and toy, plus homemade candy, cookies, pies, cakes and other treats, not to mention a soup and bread luncheon with homemade soups to eat in or carry-out from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. More than 20 raffle gift baskets will be up for grabs, plus a handmade, partially furnished "Victorian …

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Lions Club's Annual Creche Lighting Set for Nov. 26

Event includes the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible and the singing of Christmas hymns.

The annual Plainfield Lions Club Crèche Lighting program will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 26 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 24022 W. Lockport St., Plainfield. The event begins with a sing-along of popular Christmas songs at 6:45 p.m., followed by the 7 p.m. program, which includes the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible and Christmas hymns. The Plainfield South High School Madrigals, the Plainfield Community Chorus, the Midwest Crossroads Chorus and United 4 Him, a men's gospel quartet, will perform. After the program, guests will stand outside around the crèche to sing Silent Night, after which the crèche will be illuminated. It will stay lit until after the start of the new year. Parking will be available behind the former Baci’…

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Township, Park District to Hold Free Holiday Lunch for Seniors

Reservations are required and must be made by Dec. 2.

The Plainfield Park District and Plainfield Township will co-host their annual holiday luncheon for Plainfield Township senior citizens on Dec. 14. The free lunch will be held at noon at the American Legion Hall, 24741 W. Renwick Road, Plainfield. Entertainment will be presented and door prizes awarded after lunch. There is no cost for the luncheon, but reservations must be made by calling Kathy at 815-436-8812, Ext. 12, by Dec. 2. Each attendee is asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Plainfield Interfaith Food Pantry.

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