Warmest Winter
Providing relief for individuals experiencing homelessness through service, events, and direct supports
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Warmest Winter is a seasonal initiative inspiring others through service.
SocialWorks’ Warmest Winter aims to raise awareness and provide relief for individuals experiencing homelessness and extreme hardship through service, events, donations, and direct supports.
Through Warmest Winter SocialWorks offers communities both a chance to serve others and take care of themselves by providing direct access to resources through our events A Night at the Museum and Taste for the Homeless. Warmest Winters is executed with citizens and businesses who believe in taking care of each other!
A Night At The Museum
A Night at the Museum is a family-fun holiday event allowing guests to explore the Museum of Science and Industry after-hours, engaging with 50+ event-only activations, performers, and more!
This event also serves as a donation hub for those experiencing homelessness. Last year, guests donated over 18,000 warming items affecting shelters across Chicago. A warming item can be a coat or a blanket, but it can also be a new deck of cards or an old MP3 player with charger and headphones. All donations received at the museum will directly impact those experiencing homelessness in Chicago.
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SocialWorks' 2021 Warmest Winter
The 2021 Warmest Winter campaign will consist of 2 parts - a public call to action and the Taste for the Homeless - Winterfest resource fair for those experiencing homelessness. Starting November 1st and going until December 12th, families can participate in the city-wide holiday drive and various activities through the winter to benefit those experiencing homelessness. Explore ways to get involved below.
Call-to-Action Events
Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway - SocialWorks is teaming up with Conscious Alliance, Discover, Taste for the Homeless, Gyrls in the H.O.O.D., and the Harlem Globetrotters to contribute 1,500 turkeys within Chatham on November 20, 2021. View more details here.
Skate Jam with Alpha Phi Alpha - Join SocialWorks and Alpha Phi Alpha at The Rink with the return of Skate Jam on November 24, 2021! Come enjoy yourself and skate to classic jams as the Alpha DJ fuses together, Afrobeats, R&B, Hip Hop, Trap + more. Tickets are on sale now! And remember, come prepared to donate to the SocialWorks warmest winter!
Coat Distribution with the Empowerment Plan - This Giving Tuesday, SocialWorks, Taste for the Homeless, and the Empowerment Plan will be serving the city of Detroit! On Tuesday, November 30th, SocialWorks, and Michael Airhart are bringing their grills, food, and service to the Motor City. More details to come.
Top Fashion Raffle Giveaway - Top Fashion will be hosting 2 raffles (Nov. 17th - Nov. 28th & Nov. 28th - Dec. 12th) where 2 lucky winners will be selected to win a pair of Jordan's! Individuals are entered into the raffle by donating any of the items on the accepted donations list. More information here.
Christmas Around The World - View the SocialWorks tree at the Museum of Science and Industry! This event highlights the rich customs of more than 40 countries and cultures. Explore the SocialWorks' tree and others decorated by volunteers from all around Chicago and learn about holidays from across the globe and organizations in your backyard. Learn more here
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[gallery ids="3097,3096,3090"]
141,066
Meals Served*
*Since June 1, 2020
156,378
Warming Items Collected*
*Items include Coats, Hats, Blankets, Gloves, Socks, Perishable Goods, & Hygiene Products
81
Unique Shelters Affected
In The News
May 10, 2022
Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, SocialWorks, and Summer Smash Festival have teamed up to give three up-and-coming artists the chance to win $1,000 and perform at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival happening on June 19th, 2022, at Douglas Park
May 10, 2022
2022 Kids of the Kingdom Is Hiring
April 29, 2022
Chance the Rapper, Ben & Jerry’s, and SocialWorks Kick Off National Teacher Appreciation Week with Navy Pier Event
Partnerships
