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Blog Post - December 10, 2014

Blog Post – Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Looking Toward the New Year

– posted by Jenné Myers

The holiday season is a big time for community. We bustle around shopping for gifts for loved ones, take extra time to show our neighbors kindness and think about how we want to spend our time in the new year. And, at Chicago Cares, we're reflecting on how much we appreciate you – our volunteers.

Chicago Cares was established on a powerful principle: that people like you drive change. And, since 1991, we've connected more than 500,000 volunteers to new ideas and a platform to address Chicago's most critical issues. We've also connected hundreds of nonprofits to a solution, creating programming that meets the ever-changing needs of our neighborhoods.

I hope you've experienced firsthand how this connection transforms. It breaks down barriers and shows that much more unites than divides us. It allows us to make an immediate impact throughout the city. And it offers a channel for collaboration, leadership and long-term change.

This transformation can be seen in our 250 monthly group service projects, which empower 30,000 people just like you to drive change through our hands-on projects each and every year. It can be seen in the Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon when, in one day, 5,000 people come together as one to serve our city. It can also be seen in One Summer Chicago, which brings together 300 youth from diverse neighborhoods to serve and unite.

During this season of giving, I'd like to ask you to consider donating to the organization that has given so much to Chicago. Your financial contribution to Chicago Cares will enable us to continue to enhance our technology capabilities; broaden and expand programming; and design new, innovative volunteer project models.

As we look to the New Year, I'm so excited by the prospect of all we will accomplish. Together, we can transform Chicago for good.

Jenné Myers is CEO of Chicago Cares and a Serve Illinois Commissioner.