Free Time. giving

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.