Library partners with local groups to collect donations

Cozy Comforts Drive for WINGS Program

Through December 23, we are collecting new hats, scarves, gloves and mittens in the Children’s Services department and our second floor lobby. New and unworn items only, please. All donations will be given to families seeking shelter from domestic violence through local WINGS locations.

Pennies for Pennyville Bag It Up for the Holidays

Pennies for Pennyville is a new, local non-profit dedicated to supporting local organizations and families in need. Paper grocery bags are near the second-floor lobby checkout station. Patrons can pick up a bag, fill it with non-perishable food, and schedule a pickup with Pennies with Pennyville. The food will be distributed to local food pantries. (Please note, the Library is not a drop off location for the filled bags. Details about how to arrange for pickup can be found at the display or on their website.)

Maine East High School’s Health 4 Humanity Club hygiene product collection

The student-run Health 4 Humanity Club works to support individuals in need by creating and distributing hygiene kits. Additionally, the group aims to raise awareness about hygiene disparities in our community and emphasize the importance of proper hygiene for overall health and well-being.is collecting hygiene products to distribute to people in need. Place items in the collection box in our lobby before December 17. Preferred items include: toothbrushes/toothpaste;
wipes; deodorant; shampoo (any size); hand sanitizer; soap (bar and liquid); and lotion.

Park Ridge Youth Services Commission Food Drive – February 2026

The Library’s Teen Services staff partners with the Park Ridge Youth Services Commission on various community projects, including its annual food drive supporting the Maine Township Food Pantry. The Food Drive will be held in February 2026, when food pantries begin to see a decline in donations. The Library will once again serve as a collection site, as will several local businesses. A complete list is available at parkridge.us. The “wish list” from Maine Township will also be posted on our website.

Toy collection site for Toys for Tots

We once again partnered with the Park Ridge Police Department to collect new toys for kids in need through Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots is a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program that collects new, unwrapped toys during the Christmas season to distribute to economically disadvantaged children. The Toys for Tots collection at the Library has ended, but you can bring items to City Hall until December 11.