Elvira

I have a $50 gift card for a Chicago restaurant chain that I won't be able to use.

Any suggestions for a 'worthy' local charity I might be able to donate it to? (Google brings up all kinds of stuff but I don't have time to investigate.)

Oh, and BE members do not count as 'worthy' in this context

avanutria

Is there a children's hospital in Chicago? You might give it to them; they could give it to the family of a child who has had to travel there for treatment. Ronald McDonald House?

Elvira

Thank you. I'm sure there are lots of charities in Chicago, but I am looking for a personal recommendation as I want to make sure it gets to the right place.

Nothing against Ronald McDonald House, but I would prefer a truly local charity.

BILDER

I used to work in Chicago. I found a few of the inner city initiatives to be really life changing for some of the kids they helped.

http://www.alainlocke.org/donate/donate

SultanOfSwing

Yes, there is: Children's Memorial Hospital. Not a bad idea that

Gingerert

We don't use the Chicago children's hospital, but we do personally use the one in Milwaukee. They have a Ronald McDonald house and I'm sure they'd love a donation - if Milwaukee isn't too far from your choice of location.

Lovely idea, BTW.

Or... There is the UCP charity in Wisonsin, whom we also personally use. They fund my son's respite hours and while small, they're incredibly organized and friendly. They have a fun run coming up in September, and I think there's a raffle. If you wanted to donate the gift card to them, they'd love to have it, I'm sure. People in Wisconsin will travel anywhere for free food!

SultanOfSwing

We use that one too

I figured the Chicago one would be more relevant since it was a gift card for a restaurant that may be a bit impractical for Milwaukee residents.

avanutria

I wasn't the patient, but I spent many, many hours sitting around hospital waiting rooms as a child. I can tell you, vending machines will hold a child's interest for a long time but they don't exactly provide balanced nutrition!

Also, a rubber glove makes an excellent inflatable turkey.

SultanOfSwing

No, vending machines aren't the best source of nutrition - I'm sure a nice restaurant voucher would be very well received.

Cat Whisperer

Orphans of the Storm are in a Chicago suburb
http://orphansofthestorm.org/
If you love animals, these guys are good. I got one of my cats here.