What We are Thankful For

By Stephanie Ferrini, Intern

Are you ready to start craving the turkey? The mashed potatoes? The stuffing? Possibly tackle Black Friday? Enjoy the holiday and remember what it's for:

What We are Thankful For
"We are truly grateful for the love and support of our family; and for the opportunity to make a difference in the world through the support of so many of our wonderful donors, volunteers, and staff. Your caring about others' well being has also made a difference in our lives."
- Karole and Floyd Kettering, Co-Founders

"Supportive family and friends, my health, having a place to live, a working vehicle, and the chance to work daily with such wonderful people"
- Sarah Grindstaff, Senior Citizen Project Coordinator

"I am thankful for the people in my life: my peers, co-workers, friends, roommates, and especially my family. I am thankful for their health and well being. I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given and the blessings in my life."
- Stephanie Ferrini, Intern

"I'm thankful for my health, my home, my happiness, and for the opportunity to serve needy individuals in my own community on a professional level."
- George Hofmann, Patron Relations Coordinator

"I am thankful for the sound of laughter. Whether it is from a family member, friend, co-worker, or even a stranger, laughter has the power to lift one's spirit on any occasion."
- Laura Saad, Intern

"I am thankful for my family, of course. For second chances, the beauty of nature, and a great Alabama football team this year. At work, I have the great fortune to see the best side of humankind- those people who walk through our doors and say, 'I want to help.' "
- Shelia Noblitt, Operations Assistant

"I am thankful for the exciting opportunity that HSP has offered me, and look forward to the future. I also am thankful for my health, family, and friends."
- Andrea King, Intern

"This year, I am thankful for a full year at HSP, a great place to work, and the opportunity to serve the needy by using my talents. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn a new profession, and thankful for the support and patience of my family as I complete the training needed to make the transition."
- Krista Ravenscraft, Intern

"I am thankful for the new faces and wonderful people that have come into my life. I'm thankful for surrounding myself with individuals that allow me to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Most of all, I am thankful for laughter and smiling faces."
- Nikki Haton, Children's Birthday Project Coordinator

"I am thankful to be alive."
- Jan Thompson, Toy Room Supervisor


All of us here at Humanitarian Service Project hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for?

Sorority Women Give Back

By Stephanie Ferrini, Intern

What do college kids do on a Tuesday night? If they are members of the sororities Alpha Phi or Phi Mu, they volunteer and give back to their communities. The two Elmhurst College sororities teamed up for the college's annual Greek Week and decided that this year they would do a service event opened to the entire campus. Over sixty women piled into one room to wrap fifteen bags of toys for under privileged children in the area. Bright colored paper, plenty of rolls of ribbon, and many laughs were shared between the sorority women to get the presents ready to send back to the Humanitarian Service Project!

Spreading Joy, One Teddy Bear at a Time

By Laura Saad, Intern

Most people remember their favorite childhood toy, and the memories attached to it are always cherished. Maybe it was a doll, a toy truck, or even a game. Whatever object of merriment it was, there's no doubt that it provided hours of amusement and happiness.

Imagination can be encouraged at an early age, and what better way to do so then with a cute plush toy, dressed in a fun and unusual outfit? RSM McGladrey recently donated a large supply of Build-a-Bears to HSP's Children Birthday Project. While the company is actually based in Minnesota, the staff was out attending a training conference at the Q Center in St. Charles. The Build-a-Bear was one of the activities the staff participated in during their stay. Build-a-Bear animals are extra special because they are individually designed by their builder, and a tiny red heart is lovingly stuffed inside. Volunteer, Maureen Kahn, was kind enough to pick the stuffed animals up and deliver them to HSP. We are very excited to be able to distribute these adorable plush toys to children in the program.

Deliver the Joy of Thanksgiving

By Laura Saad, Intern


It's that time of year when turkey aromas linger in the kitchen, the sweetness of homemade pumpkin pie awaits, and the laughter of friends and family fills the air. H.S.P. is looking for volunteers to help bring the spirit of Thanksgiving to seniors in need. This year, we are hoping to reach out to at least 40 seniors in the surrounding communities. Anyone interested in purchasing or preparing a meal to deliver to a senior's home can call the center at 630-221-8340 or email hsp@humanitarianservice.org.

Spread the Word

By Laura Saad

Fall Intern

Has everyone seen the great piece about H.S.P. that is posted on Suburban Life Publications' website? If not, be sure to check it out: http://otg.mysuburbanlife.com/2009/10/22/free-time-feed-soul-through-humanitarian-service-project