Christmas

Dan Pasquale D’Andrea, who recently launched the new season of the Salt Creek Sinfonietta in Hinsdale, takes the chamber orchestra on the road for a holiday benefit concert by the Combined Church Choir of Itasca. A busy music director, the Downers Grove resident also conducts the Senior Suburban Orchestra and College of DuPage Chamber Orchestra.

Salt Creek Sinfonietta is one of the musical ensembles conducted by Dan Pasquale D’Andrea, who grew up in Itasca and now lives in Downers Grove. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ways to help brighten the season are offered in Kane, DuPage and Cook counties.

DO IT
As thoughts of Thanksgiving prompt visions of feasts, you can help make it a day to be grateful for people facing tough times. Beds Plus, a homeless shelter in La Grange, needs volunteers for its holiday menus and for the day-to-day meals and other services it provides.

WHOM IT HELPS
The organization reaches out to people in west suburban Cook County and a portion of Hinsdale. “We just opened our shelters (for the season) on Oct. 15, and we had record numbers,” says Beth Tracy, office manager. “We provide a warm meal to the clients, as well as a place to sleep and eat breakfast. And we have case management for them. (We) help with medical problems or trying to find a job or with substance abuse.” She says there’s a  big need for volunteers to assist at the shelters.

Disney is pulling out all the stops and taking its show on the road with a spectacular immersive and interactive 40-city train tour including a 3D sneak peek of film footage from the upcoming movie “Disney’s A Christmas Carol.”

The "Christmas Carol" train will be pulling into Chicago Union Station for three days, starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 24. This family event is for guests of all ages and is free to the public.