Donate goods
Help us fill bags, hearts and bellies.
g2's programs are designed to give kids and families hands-on community-service opportunities. Some of these programs provide food and other supplies to people who need them. That means we're always grateful when the community helps us by donating funds, donating goods and helping us shop!
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What can you donate? See below!
Personal Care Products
Food pantries and government food-aid programs often don't include or cover personal care products, which can be costly, yet imperative to ensure people live confident, safe and healthy lives.
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Please consider making a donation of any of the following:
Lotion, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sunscreen, razors, hand sanitizer, combs & brushes, bandages, lip balm.
We will include them in our ongoing programs that put them into the hands of people who need them. Join us at these events to see your donations in action!
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Easy porch/contactless drop off at eight locations:
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1630 Portage Pass, Deerfield
2224 Maple Avenue, Northbrook
1865 Farm Road, Lake Forest
3219 University Avenue, Highland Park
1110 Pebblewood Lane, Glencoe
440 E. Sunnyside Avenue, Libertyville
728 Spencer Lane, Lake Zurich
1242 Green Knolls, Buffalo Grove
Birthday Bags
Every child deserves to celebrate their birthday. Yet some kids don't have that opportunity, which is why the Birthday Bag program was created. Throughout the year, g2 distributes Birthday Bags to children in need, via the community organizations that serve them. Last year we distributed more than 500!
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We accept donations of the following items*:
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Cake mixes | Prepared frosting
Packages of festive napkins | Packages of birthday candles
$5 gift cards to Walgreens | $5 gift cards to Walmart
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We also accept completed bags that contain all of the above items (one gift card only) plus a small goodie bag containing 4 pieces of candy and/or small goodie-bag sized toys.
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Contact erin.kerpel@gratitudegeneration.org to drop off supplies.
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*Food items must be within their expiration date.
g2 COLLECTS ITEMS FOR THIS PROGRAM IN MAY & JUNE ONLY
Bye Bye-Boredom Bags
This program launched during the pandemic, when many children were stuck at home with little to do, and in some cases, their caregivers were required to go to work. These kids really needed constructive activities to help keep them busy and having some fun. And many kids still do—especially during days and weeks off from school and on weekends.
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Bye-Bye Boredom Bags are composed of at least six items to help keep kids busy. g2 accepts donations of BBB Bags that your family or group puts together at home, or any of the following items*:
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Puzzles | Jump ropes | Puzzle books*
Small games | Card games
Crayons/colored pencils and coloring book/sketch pad/spiral notebook*
Adult coloring book/sketch pad/spiral notebook and colored pencils/markers*
Snacks | Gum*
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All items will be packed into a drawstring bag.
Contact erin.kerpel@gratitudegeneration.org to drop off supplies.
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*Items must be new; food and gum must not be expired.
Valentine's Meals for Veterans
g2 COLLECTS ITEMS IN JANUARY ONLY
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To support the men and women who serve our country in the military yet sometimes find themselves in economic hardship, g2 hosts a program each winter to benefit Midwest Veterans Closet. We ask the community to help us provide non-perishable meals for veterans at a time when holiday drives have ended and MVC’s shelves are often empty.
Meal packages should include*:
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2-3 canned meals and/or hearty soups
2-3 cans of vegetables
2-3 cans of fruit OR- 2 packs of single-serve fruit cups or applesauce
4-6 pack of single-serve juice
Valentine's Day treats | New socks and other essentials (optional)
Homemade Valentine's Day card
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*Canned items should have pop-top lids so can openers aren't needed.
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