Dear friend of the Naperville Park District:
With the winter holidays right around the corner, it’s a good time to highlight some of the ways in which our residents can give back to the community. Naperville is known for its generosity and volunteer spirit, and Naperville Park District participants and supporters have several opportunities to help brighten the lives of our neighbors.
Although the economy has recovered in some respects since the downturn in 2008, the number of Naperville residents who are struggling economically has risen dramatically. For example, in the past several years we have seen a 200% increase in applications for our scholarship program, which provides fee waivers for recreation programs for those in need. Thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Naperville Parks Foundation, it’s easy for interested residents to support the scholarship program. With a simple click of a mouse, you can add a small contribution to the Foundation as you register for programs online through RecEnroll, our online registration system. Individuals also may visit the Park Foundation’s website at www.napervilleparksfoundation.
Annually during the fall season, Park District participants enthusiastically support Loaves and Fishes Community Food Pantry in a variety of initiatives. Children and their families in the Park District preschool program once again collected small change and larger donations in their annual “Pennies for Pies” drive to provide pumpkin pies for Loaves and Fishes’ Thanksgiving meal program. Preschool children and teachers also joined adult volunteers and master gardeners in the gleaning the Garden Plots at the end of the gardening season. The harvest of root vegetables and other produce will be appreciated by those served by Loaves and Fishes. Finally, the Turkey Shoot golf tournament, a favorite tradition at Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses, will give participants the opportunity to donate their turkeys to Loaves and Fishes for their holiday meal distribution. Golfers also may choose to make monetary donations in support of Loaves and Fishes.
The onset of the holiday season also means that the Park District is ready to host several fun events – the most visible of which is Santa House on the Riverwalk. Thanks to all of our volunteers and sponsors for their support of this and other events. Speaking of Santa House, please make a note that this annual tradition begins its 2013 run when it opens to the public on December 6. This year we will again offer Special Needs Nights, Pet Night, and Military Night with convenient online reservations available for children and families to visit with Santa during these special evenings. Additionally, the Park Police will be collecting new, unwrapped toys at Santa House and at the Park District Administration Building to support the annual Toys for Tots campaign. We would greatly appreciate your participation in this wonderful event.
Finally, I want to extend a big thank you to all of the individuals and organizations that partner with the Naperville Park District in our mission to enrich the quality of life in our community year after year. We’re very fortunate to have a network of people who do great things for our residents.
Best wishes to all for a safe and happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Ray McGury
Executive Director
