Spirit of Giving Event

“Step Into the Magic! Become an Elf in Training at United Way’s Spirit of Giving — in Partnership with the Promenade Bolingbrook!”

This year’s Spirit of Giving will transform a storefront at the Promenade Bolingbrook into a magical wonderland of giving.  On Saturday, December 6th, join us as Elves in Training to stuff snuggly companions, create sparkly ornaments, design cheerful cards, and pack kindness‑filled care kits.  Along the way, collect your Elf Passport stamps, meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and leave with a mission complete: spread joy, compassion and community spirit all across Will County!

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 6th
• Location: Promenade Bolingbrook
• Choose from Three Sessions:
  • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
  • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Cost: $5 per person (Pick up your exclusive Elves‑in‑Training Patch when you check in for purchase)

Your Elf-tastic Mission Awaits!

Step into your pointy shoes, grab your jingle bells, and get ready for your official Elf in Training assignment! Inside Santa’s Workshop, you’ll complete a series of joyful missions designed to sprinkle kindness, cheer, and community spirit all across Will County.

• Craft snuggly stuffed buddies for brave children: Help make cuddly stuffed animals that First Responders will give to children during emergencies, offering comfort, courage, and a hug when it’s needed most.
•  Assemble care kits that show kindness in every item: Pack thoughtful bundles of essentials for our unsheltered neighbors in Will County, small items that make a big impact during the cold winter months.
• Create festive holiday cards filled with cheer: Design and decorate heartfelt cards that will be delivered to neighbors in need, spreading joy, encouragement, and a reminder that they are loved during the holiday season.
• Create ornaments that shine with kindness: Craft beautiful Christmas ornaments to brighten the homes of seniors who receive Meals on Wheels. 
• Say hello to Santa Claus himself: Santa will be waiting to meet his Elves in Training, share smiles, and take photos together to remember this special day at the North Pole.
• Settle in for storytime with Mrs. Claus! Gather ’round as Mrs. Claus shares magical tales from the North Pole, stories filled with warmth, wonder, and the true meaning of giving.

Bring a Toy, Share the Joy! Optional Toy Donation: Spread extra holiday cheer by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for the Spirit of Giving Toy Drive! These gifts will help brighten the holidays for local children and families in need, reminding everyone that even the smallest elf can make a big difference.  

Every station is a chance to make someone’s season a little brighter — that’s the true Spirit of Giving!

Sponsorship Opportunities are available for those who want to help spread even more holiday cheer and make this event extra special:

• Presenting Sponsor – Santa’s Sleigh($2,500+): Lead the magic! As our presenting sponsor, your support fuels the entire Spirit of Giving experience. You’ll be recognized on all event signage, featured in a dedicated social media spotlight, highlighted on our website, and receive 8 complimentary tickets to the event. You’ll also receive VIP recognition inside Santa’s Workshop.
• Joy Sponsor – Workshop Wonder ($1,000): Help bring comfort to kids who need it most by supporting our stuffed animal station, where young Elves create cuddly companions for First Responders to share during emergencies. Your name will be displayed at the station, shared in a social media thank-you, and featured on our website. Includes 6 tickets to the event.
•  Holly Cheer Sponsor – Hygiene Hero ($500): Support our hygiene and care kit stations that benefit unsheltered neighbors across Will County. Sponsors at this level will be recognized at the station, thanked on social media, listed on our website, and receive 4 event tickets.
• Snowflake Sponsor – Spirit Sparkler ($250): Every snowflake makes a storm of good! You’ll be featured on a decorative snowball inside Santa’s Workshop and recognized on our website. This sponsorship level also includes 2 tickets to the event.
• Toy Drive Partner (In-Kind Recognition)
  Businesses and organizations that host a toy drive for the Spirit of Giving will be thanked across our website and social media. It’s a perfect way to get involved and help make the holidays brighter for local families.

Be Part of the Spirit of Giving Magic!
Join the holiday fun by registering as an Elf in Training or becoming a sponsor of Santa’s Workshop! Can’t attend in person? You can still spread cheer by making a donation using the red Donate button above.

This is your chance to step into the true Spirit of Giving — creating joy, hope, and holiday magic for neighbors in need, all while enjoying a festive day at the North Pole right here in Will County!

Have Questions or Need More Info?
Reach out to our Head Elf in Charge!
Loren Yaksich is happy to help you sprinkle some extra magic this holiday season at loren@uwwill.org or call 815-723-2500.