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NILES — For the second straight year, those who wish to contribute to multiple local charities in need of funds and goods will have the opportunity to conveniently do so in one location.

Sharing is Caring: A Community Day of Donation will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the St. Mary’s School gym, 219 South State St. in Niles.

Those wishing to donate will have the option to “curb drop” items in the parking lot, where volunteers will be stationed to unload. They are also welcome to go inside, where multiple local charitable organizations will have tables for accepting items and financial donations. Blank holiday cards will be set up for signing, eventually to be given to residents at River Ridge Nursing Home and The Chalet of Niles.

Thanks to the 2023 event, every resident of the Chalet received a signed holiday card and employees there were able to set up a clothing “shop” for residents to choose from donated items.

Event organizer Kelly Connell is hoping to duplicate the success of the event’s debut last year.

She recalled the pleasantly busy day in 2023, when many charitable organizations present at the event were so busy they had to call for help at their tables and additional vehicles to move the many donations. Connell described the charities as overwhelmed by the response in the most positive way.

“Last year went really really well,” she said. “I was so happy. I was so proud of our community.”

She recalled a story of a woman walking from table to table with her checkbook, offering financial donations to each organization. All charities present will be accepting financial donations and providing receipts, in addition to accepting items based on their various needs. A list of specific needs, as well as other event information, can be found on the “Sharing is Caring: A Community Day of Donation” page found by searching Facebook.

Additionally, St. Mary’s Cub Scout Troop 579 will be inside selling hamburgers, hot dogs, cookies, and drinks, as well as collecting returnable cans.

Connell said she was overwhelmed with gratitude at the response from the community.

The idea of making it easier for people to donate came in 2022 when, after scrolling social media, she realized how busy people could get around the holidays. She was struck with the idea to put all of the local organizations in one place and give people a fast and easy way to accomplish their holiday giving in one step.

“It just dawned on me,” she said. “It hit me like a lightning bolt.”

She emphasized that giving does not have to be an expensive venture, with many of the items needed available at local discount and dollar stores.

She also noted a need for volunteers at the event to assist with accepting donations and other tasks that day. Those interested in helping can reach out via the Sharing is Caring: A Community Day of Donation.