Be The Change
And improve the lives of women, children, and families in need!
Make easy donations using Amazon or email us with your gift information? Please visit Amazon.com to purchase any of our always-needed Wish List items and Amazon will ship your gift directly to Margaret’s Village! Check out our Amazon Shopping List here.
We have recently learned about ways Capital One Shopping can help you find even more savings on your items! This is a free tool that compares prices among various retailers to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible while supporting transitional housing for homeless women, children, and families, as well as enrichment activities for area seniors at the same time!
ALWAYS NEEDED
Our residents are always in need of Chicago bus passes. Residents use them to go to medical appointments, job interviews and jobs, and go to school.
KITCHEN SUPPLIES / FOOD
Silverware, Cups, Dishes
Kitchen soap
Paper towels
Paper plates, paper cups, plastic silverware
Gift certificates to Target, Jewel, Walmart
Kitchen towels
Plastic storage bags of all sizes
Spices and seasonings
Food items such as rice, beans, spaghetti, soup, cereal, flour, sugar, tuna, etc.
CLEANING SUPPLIES
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap
Sponges, SOS pads, etc.
Rubber gloves
Pine-sol, Lysol, etc.
Bleach
Mops, brooms, pails
Garbage bags
Paper towels
BEDROOM SUPPLIES
Sheets, especiallly twin sheets
Washable Twin Comforters/Bedspreads
Blankets
Pillows for twin beds and pillowcases
Waste paper baskets
Rubbermaid Storage containers
Gift certificates to Target or Walmart
Bath towels and hand towels
PERSONAL ITEMS
Feminine hygiene items
Deodorant (both women and men)
Shampoo, Bar Soap
Hand sanitizer
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Dental Floss
Brushes/Combs
Kleenex
Toilet Paper
Hats and Gloves
Gift certificates to Target, Walmart or Jewel
BABY SUPPLIES
Diapers (all sizes)
Wipes and Creams
Crib Sheets
Baby blankets
High Chairs in good condition
PROGRAM AND OFFICE SUPPLIES
Art Supplies of any kind including paints, paintbrushes
Paper (all kinds and colors)
Pens, Pencils, Markers
Sewing Machine
Supplies for sewing, knitting, quilting, etc.
Exercise equipment
Copy machine
Fax machine
Tape (all kinds)
Manilla Folders
Mailing Envelopes (all sizes)
Binders, Notebooks, Folders
3 hole punch
Flash drives
Computer equipment and software
Digital camera
Gift certificates to JoAnn’s or Michael’s, Target, Walmart, Staples or Office Depot
Serve on board committees such as fundraising events, resource development, and facilities
Advocacy on behalf of homeless and elder issues
Art projects for Vincenne’s Senior Center
Child care at our shelter
Construction, renovation, and maintenance projects, including painting
Design and production of printed materials or video projects
Food preparation (Churches, groups, and schools may volunteer to prepare and serve an evening meal for the shelter residents.)
Grant writing
Landscaping / Gardening
Office assistance (filing, mailing, data entry)
Organizing and participating in our Annual Community Health Fair
Program presentations: Do you have a skill or knowledge that you could share with the shelter residents or senior citizens?
Public relations and marketing
Volunteer monitors (ideal for school teachers and social workers)
For more information please email us using the form on this page. Be sure and select the volunteer button!
Are you a corporation or community group seeking volunteer opportunities? Please email us.
When people heard the words “planned giving” they often think it is only something very wealthy people do. The reality is people of all income levels can have dramatic impact on nonprofits with their charitable giving.
Bequest Margaret’s Village in a Will or Trust
One of the many ways that a supporter may choose to express his/her commitment to our long-term sustainability is by naming Margaret’s Village in your will or trust. This is a way to make a lasting investment in Margaret’s Village without affecting your current financial security and freedom. Planned gifts offer you the flexibility to balance your personal financial goals and your desire to provide for loved ones with your interest in supporting Margaret’s Village. If you already have included Margaret’s Village in your estate plans, please email us to provide information.
Bequests and living trusts are some of the most common tools of planned giving. You may choose to give a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate, or any part of the residue which is the remainder of the estate after all bequests and obligations are satisfied.
Some types of bequests to consider:
You can include wording in your will or trust such as: “I give, devise, and bequeath to Margaret’s Village, located at 7315 S. Yale Chicago, IL 60621 (Tax Identification Number: 36-3104655) the amount of $_____, or __________% of the residue of my estate, to be used for general operating support.”
There are many vehicles that may be used in estate planning including various types of trusts, annuities, stock transfers, life insurance designations, retirement plans, etc. Your financial situation is unique, so it is important to discuss with your attorney/financial advisor the best tools to carry out your wishes.
Marketable or Closely Held Securities
Appreciated stocks and bonds may be given to Margaret’s Village, allowing donors to deduct their current market value as a charitable contribution and avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation. For example, Mary wants to make a year-end gift to Margaret’s Village of $5,000. If she sells $5,000 worth of stock and gives the after-tax balance to Margaret’s Village, she may be donating considerably less than $5,000 depending upon the amount of capital gains tax she will be required to pay. Furthermore, her charitable deduction will not be based upon the full $5,000, but rather, the amount actually received by Margaret’s Village. However, if Mary transfers the stock itself to Margaret’s Village, she will not pay any capital gains tax and she will be able to deduct the current value of the stock ($5,000 in this example) as a charitable contribution.
Life Insurance
Among the many ways to donate life insurance, the simplest way is to designate Margaret’s Village as a beneficiary of the policy. You can also transfer ownership of a paid-up policy or donate insurance policy dividends. Typically, transferring ownership of a policy allows the donor to receive a current income tax deduction in the year transferred. Check with your financial/tax advisor for specific details.
Retirement Plans
Donors can give their required minimum distribution from an IRA to charity tax-free. Donors 70 1/2 and older who do not need all or a portion of their IRA income may take advantage of the IRA Charitable Rollover provision and make annual tax-free charitable gifts of up to $100,000 each ($200,000 per couple) directly from their qualified IRAs to Margaret’s Village and other favorite charities without recognizing the assets transferred as income. The distributions will count toward their annual required minimum distribution (RMD) which can help them reduce their income and pay less taxes. Certain restrictions apply so be sure to contact your financial/tax advisor to help analyze your benefits.
This information is not intended to be financial or legal advice, so please consult with your professional advisors to determine the current law and the best way for you to invest in Margaret’s Village.
We would like to share with you the many ways your support of Margaret’s Village will impact the women, families and seniors we serve. Please call 773-651-8372 for more information.
Margaret’s Village is on the move! We want keep you informed about our work on behalf of Chicago’s neediest community members and our upcoming activities and events. Just take a moment to fill in your email and name, and you will be part of our network. Thanks!