To ensure every Evanston family can celebrate this holiday season, Mayor Biss encourages all community members to participate in the annual Mayor's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive.

Beginning Monday, November 3 and continuing through Monday, December 1, the City is collecting new, unwrapped toys in addition to staple food items for holiday meals, including stuffing, green beans, yams, mac and cheese, corn, and cornbread mix. The City is also collecting new and gently used children's books.

Items can be dropped off at locations throughout the city, including:

• Autobarn, 1015 Chicago Ave.

• Booked, 506 Main St.

• Briteco Insurance, 805 Greenwood St.

• Chandler-Newberger Center, 1028 Central St.

• Morton City Hall, 909 Davis St.

• Evanston Police Station, 1454 Elmwood Ave.

• Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.

• Fire Station 3, 1105 Central St.

• Fire Station 5, 2830 Central St.

• First Northern Credit Union, 1705 Sherman Ave.

• Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St.

• Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.

• Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.

• Robert Crown Center, 1801 Main St.

• Partnership Financial Credit Union, 2522 Green Bay

• Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.

• The Merion, 1611 Chicago Ave.

Families who wish to participate in the Holiday Food, Book & Toy Drive as recipients of toys and food items must reside within zip codes 60201 and 60202. Residents will be required to provide proof of residency. Register by calling 847-448-4311 or simply dialing 3-1-1 while in Evanston. Registration will take place through Monday, December 1. 

Support the Drive

Residents interested in making a financial contribution towards a bulk purchase of food and toys by the Evanston Parks Foundation can make a donation online.

To learn more about the Mayor's Holiday Food, Book, and Toy Drive, visit cityofevanston.org/holidaydonation or contact 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston. Download a promotional flyer.