Get in the holiday spirit and support services to neighbors in need at Christmas In July, hosted by Turpin Cares, Sat., July 29, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.
Admission includes light meal, one complimentary beer, and entertainment by members of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus. Proceeds help fund Turpin Cares initiatives including the twice-a-month toiletry/first aid Free Store distributions and 24/7 emergency food box.
The event will also feature fun and flashy fundraising games. Guest who arrive with a grocery bag of toiletries will be entered into a raffle for prizes, some valued up to $200+. Free Store items that are especially in demand are shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, individually wrapped toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby wipes, and shaving cream.
Turpin Cares is best known for its Free Store, opened at the onset of the pandemic in partnership with the Beverly Area Planning Association and 19th Ward Mutual Aid to provide bi-monthly distributions of hygiene, first aid, and household items to area families affected by the pandemic. The Free Store, now run solely by Turpin Cares volunteers, continues distributions on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 11056 S. Longwood Dr. Turpin Cares has distributed over 120,000 items and supported over 4,000 households in the Beverly/Morgan Park area since spring of 2020.
In addition to the Free Store, Turpin Cares provides emergency food at a pantry box located at the Edna White Garden, 1850 W. Monterey Ave., and donates relief items to shelters and persons without homes.
Christmas in July tickets can be purchased in online at turpincares.org by clicking on the fundraisers link.
Turpin Cares is a philanthropic not-for-profit organization sponsored, in small part, by Turpin Communication and in large part by generous donors and volunteers. To stay informed, search “Turpin Cares” on Facebook and like the page.
