Open to Public: Registration for Holiday Baskets & Gifts

Every year MorningStar Mission has the privilege of providing free Thanksgiving food baskets and Christmas food baskets and gifts to our neighbors in need. To participate in this program, you must register on October 8th and 9th. Here is a quick FAQ:

1. When do I register?
Tuesday, October 8th from 9 am to 5 pm
Wednesday, October 9th from 9 am to 5 pm

2. Where do I register?
At Morning Star Mission’s New Day Drop-In-Center.
Address: 364 E Washington Street, Joliet.

DURING REGISTRATION, PLEASE PARK ON WASHINGTON STREET ONLY.

3. What required documents do I need to bring to register?
To qualify, you need to bring the documentation listed below. If you do not have any of the required items at the time of registration, you will not be able to register. No exceptions can be made. Required documents include:

1. Social security card or ITIN number for every member of the household
2. Birth certificates for every member of the household (and proof of legal guardianship for non-biological children)
3. Proof of address (electric bill, gas bill, or complete current lease; must be in head of household name)
4. Proof of family income for every adult in the household. NOTE: no hand written pay stubs will be accepted. MEDICAID, WIC and LINK cards are insufficient proof of income by itself.
5. MUST HAVE social security/disability award statement, and/or check stub from child support.
6. The head of household (person registering) must show a photo ID, birth certificate, and social security card.

Only one household from each legal street address can register. If two different individuals who reside in the same household wish to register together (this includes all incomes) they may do so. However, if they attempt to register separately, both parties will not be allowed to register. THOSE MISSING ANY OF THE REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REGISTER.THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS MADE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO RETRIEVE THEM & RETURN WITH YOUR DOCUMENTS AT THE ABOVE TIMES & DATES, NO EXCEPTIONS!

4. What will be offered for Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Food baskets will be offered for Thanksgiving.  And, for Christmas, food baskets and gifts. Gifts will be customized, (but not guaranteed) based on the application given at the registration in October and based on donations MorningStar Mission has received.

5. When and where will the distribution be for Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Thanksgiving Distribution will be held on November 19th from 9 am – 11:30 am. Distribution location to be determined.

Christmas Distribution will be held on December 10th from 9 am – 11:30 am. Distribution location to be determined.The person who registered must come to pick up the items on November 16th and Dec. 10th with a photo I.D.

NO ONE OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD CAN PICK UP THOSE DAYS.

6. How can I volunteer for registration or distribution?
If you would like to be a volunteer for these registration events, please contact Lori Taylor at 815-722-5780 x222. There are many spaces available. We’d love to have your help.