Holiday Donation Drive to Benefit Chicago HIV Service Agency

Three Chicago nonprofit groups, including one that primarily serves people with HIV, will be the beneficiaries of a holiday donation drive that begins Thursday night.

For the Old Town Holiday Drive, running through December 20, there will be marked boxes at participating businesses throughout the neighborhood to collect goods needed by Chicago House and Social Service Agency, which provides housing and other services primarily to people with HIV; Deborah’s Place, which offers supportive housing to formerly homeless women, and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, a provider of residential and other services to children in need.

The drive, sponsored by the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association, kicks off with an event from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at clothing boutique Roam, 1419 N. Wells. Attendees are asked to bring a cash donation or a gift. The association is particularly encouraging donations of nonperishable food items, new and unwrapped toys, new cleaning supplies, and toiletries.

The Old Town neighborhood is home to the famed Second City comedy troupe’s theater, a wide variety of businesses, and a diverse residential population.