5 Great Nonprofits Making a Difference: Patch Picks

It takes an extra bit of effort to commit to helping others without any monetary gain. You are essentially sacrificing your time and sometimes money for strictly humanitarian purposes.

There are plenty of organizations that make that sacrifice every day, particularly in and around Chicago Heights. This week we look at some of the helpful organizations constantly working to improve the lives of others.

This is by no means everyone making a difference. This isn't even meant to highlight the "best" organizations. We just want to point out a few great groups that are doing something positive.

Patch Picks: Notable nonprofits in the Heights and Olympia Fields

●         - There are two Aunt Martha's centers in Chicago Heights, as well as one in Olympia Fields and one in Park Forest. Some of the services offered include basic substance abuse prevention, club exposure, community youth services, Gays & Lesbians Advocating Diversity, GED/ABE, a home instruction program for parents of preschoolers, job club, Parents Too Soon/Healthy Families Illinois, summer youth employment, Teen REACH, Project Listen and We're In This Together.

●         - Located in South Chicago Heights, the organization was started by the grandparents of a little girl who enjoyed helping at their church food pantry. After the Alicia died tragically, they opened up Alicia's House. The food pantry is still helping the hungry and putting on charitable events.

●         - Since 1969 Respond Now, a nondenominational Christian organization, has provided food and other necessities to families and individuals all over the South Suburbs. In addition to food, the not-for-profit organization provides clothing transportation, personal hygiene items and temporary lodging.

●         - Founded in 1990, Public Action to Deliver Shelter is dedicated to providing emergency food and shelter to people who cannot afford housing. It is an interfaith program that is always in need of more volunteers and community leaders willing to donate their time and facilities. 

●         - A charitable organization in Olympia Fields focused on serving at-risk African-Americans, Proactive Community Services is aimed at preventing chronic diseases and encouraging healthy lifestyles. The organization also has HIV/AIDS programs and encourages at-risk individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency.

Patch Picks can be found every Thursday at 3 p.m. on Chicago Heights Patch.