Big Hearts of Fox Valley holds wrapping party to benefit local families

In the spirit of the holiday season, hundreds of people came together Wednesday to help bring smiles to many needy St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 families this holiday season.

About 650 people wrapped 9,000 gifts over a six-hour time period during Big Hearts of Fox Valley’s wrapping party at the Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles. The party was cancelled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, about 200 people were working behind the scenes at the wrapping party. The presents were distributed Thursday to the families of 638 local kids.

Royal Fox Country Club donated the space and the food for the wrapping party.

“Being able to have it at a gorgeous venue I think added to the Christmas spirit,” said Kelly Barnes, a member of Big Hearts of Fox Valley’s Executive Committee. “It was so generous of them to do that.”

Barnes missed not having the wrapping party last year.

“It is an amazing time for the community to give back,” she said. “We heard from so many people that said they were bringing their children and grandchildren. It’s a way to kind of teach their kids to be thankful for what they have.”

The nonprofit group works directly with D303 social workers to identify families who may be experiencing a financial difficulty and families submit wish lists. Barnes is a St. Charles resident and a substitute teacher in District 303.

“I can see firsthand how much it matters to so many of these children,” she said. “It’s heartwarming. I hear back from some of the parents and they are so appreciative. They say, ‘Once I’m back on my feet, I want to help. I want to do something to help other people that are in my shoes.’ ‘’

The group also collects items that are needed year round through its Big Hearts Throughout the Year program.

“That’s something that runs continuously with the D303 school year,” said Jennifer Mobley, founder and president of Big Hearts of Fox Valley. ‘We’ve already been super busy with that this year, starting at the very beginning of the school year. We were buying back-to-school clothes for kids.”

For more information about Big Hearts of Fox Valley and to donate, go to bigheartsfv.org.