'Leave It For Love' Re-Gifting Program Benefits Chicagoland Seniors, Collection Begins Soon

Chicagoland gift-recycling initiative Leave It For Love is kicking off its annual holiday collection drive to turn unwanted, unused presents into holiday cheer for low-income, isolated older adults.

Running from Friday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Jan. 31, 2027, the program collects new, unused items and distributes them to elderly residents across the Chicago area.

Suggested donations include warm-weather gear, personal care items, household décor, hostess gifts, trinkets, and non-perishable food. Community members can drop off new items at four participating Chicagoland locations:

• Flossmoor: Beyond Borders Café, 1036 Sterling Ave.
• Frankfort: Hammar’s Mercantile, 4 W. Nebraska St.
• Homewood: Loulou Belle, 2049 Ridge Road
• Chicago: Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, 355 N. Ashland Ave.

"Many people have new gifts sitting in closets collecting dust, while isolated seniors in our community are going without basic comforts or simple joys," said Jennifer Molski, founder of Leave it for Love. "Re-gifting for good is a simple way to declutter, reduce waste, and remind our older neighbors that they are not forgotten."

Leave it for Love is a Chicagoland-based community initiative dedicated to collecting new, unused gifts and distributing them to low-income, lonely, and isolated older adults.

Founded in 2003, the program promotes sustainability and community connection by turning unneeded items into meaningful gifts. For more information, drop-off hours, or gift ideas, visit www.leaveitforlove.com or follow @leaveitforlove on Facebook.