Why are we collection gift services and items?

Hunger knows no age or race and our emergency food pantry can make the difference in someone’s moment of need. Immigration laws are not easy to understand, nor is citizenship an easy path to follow without guidance. Families faced with a crisis need trusted advocates and financial support to get them through to the next month. Centro’s bilingual and bicultural, trained staff is ready to work with any individual navigating these pathways. Friends in the community like you help us to make a difference in the lives of new immigrant arrivals as well as long-residents experiencing a number of life’s challenges.

While Centro receive financial support from some government grants for a portion of our programs, those funds can only be used for specific program goals restricting our ability to meet the growing and diverse needs of the community. Dollars raised at our Annual Gala will support our continued growth and a number of administrative and technological upgrades that greatly affect how Centro staff are able to successfully deliver services to the immigrant population. This year we are specifically working to raise enough dollars to further expand our immigration team’s capacity to serve the growing need for immigration services in the Chicagoland area.

To help meet our silent auction goals for the 2023 Gala, we are calling on friends of Centro to bring items for the Gala Auction Team to organize and complete auction baskets. Items may be dropped off to our Main Elgin Office Located at 1885 Lin Lor Lane Elgin, IL 60123. We are open Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Some suggest items and Ideas:

GIFT CARDS / TICKETS:

Restaurants

Club / Museum memberships

Concerts / Performances / Theater & Movie Productions

Cleaning / Detailing / Organizing

Training / Practice with a Pro

Retail / Online Shopping

Streaming Video / Games

Oil change / tune up

... and other creative experiences

Gourmet Foods:

Assorted artisanal chocolates

Premium nuts and dried fruits

Specialty cookies or biscuitsGourmet popcornFlavored coffee or teaBottled drinks or gourmet soda

Coffee beans

Syrups, flavorings

Spa and Relaxation items:Bath bombs or bath saltsScented candlesRelaxing essential oilsSoft and fluffy towelsBody lotion or massage oilCozy blanket or throw

Fitness and Wellness items:Fitness tracker or pedometerWorkout bands or resistance bandsHealthy snacks or protein barsWater bottle or hydration packYoga mat or exercise towel

Creativity items:Sketchbooks or adult coloring booksSet of colored pencils or markersPaintbrushes and acrylic paintsDIY craft kitsInspirational art prints or posters

Gardening items:Gardening gloves and toolsSeed packets or small potted plantsGardening book or magazineDecorative plant markersFlower or herb seeds

***All items must be NEW.

Other gift items welcome!

Thank you!