Holiday Helper

In December of 2017, the Holiday Helper program completed its 15th year of operation. The program was established to provide holiday gift assistance to low income families who reside in Palatine and are receiving or have received services in an attempt to better their current situation. Each year, several families are selected from PSW Ziesak and PC Dominguez’s case load, as well as, referrals from our School Liaison Officers, School Social Workers and other community professionals to participate in the program.

The program is designed for families who can not participate in other holiday programs such as the Township Adopt-A-Family, but are still in need of assistance. Each child under 18 years of age creates a wish list of clothing items, shoes, and a toy item that they would like to receive. A tree is put up in the Palatine Police Department lobby, where community members can select an "elf" and donate gift items.  In past years, our program has assisted as many as 80 Palatine children. A few days before the holidays, several Palatine Police Officers and staff deliver the gifts to the family’s homes.

How You Can Help

The Christmas tree is placed in the lobby of the police department around Thanksgiving and removed around the third week of December. You can help by selecting an "elf" from the tree and sponsoring a child’s wish list. Instructions for donating are on each "elf."