With “Giving Tuesday” coming up on the heels of Thanksgiving on December 2, I thought it’d be helpful to highlight local nonprofits and charitable organizations that make a difference here in the Tri-Cities area.

For anyone looking to give back, this should help narrow down your options and ensure that your donation or volunteer time goes directly toward helping neighbors and strengthening our community.

Want to suggest organizations to be featured? Do that here:

On a related note, the folks at the Rotary Club of Batavia were nice enough to host me at their weekly breakfast meeting on Tuesday.

Tim Sullivan, co-founder of the new nonprofit Furnish Forward, served as the guest presenter. Furnish Forward helps local individuals and families transition out of homelessness by fully furnishing their new apartments, turning otherwise bare spaces into comfortable, welcoming homes.

Read more about the organization and learn how you can contribute.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

Who doesn’t like a chance to get lucky — especially when you’re helping the community too? The Batavia Rotary Club’s 37th annual Grand Prize Drawing is right around the corner, and someone will walk away with $50,000 (or a brand-new car worth the same from Gerald Ford).

For nearly four decades, the Rotary raffle has powered local giving — with over $1 million donated to causes like the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association and more. Only 1,200 tickets are sold, so your odds may be better than you thought.

The 🔒 symbol indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Recycle those pumpkins: Geneva, St. Charles, and other Kane County communities will host Pumpkin Smash events on Saturday (11/8), giving residents a fun way to compost their pumpkins and keep them out of landfills.

☑️ Tax update: St. Charles officials approved a preliminary 3.99% property tax levy increase for 2025 to fund pensions and essential services, with a public hearing and final adoption set for December 1.

☑️ Voices on energy: Tri-Cities Clean Energy is hosting a November 13 community meeting as part of its Bright Future Batavia campaign to help residents understand and comment on the city’s new long-term energy plan before it’s finalized.

🔒 Abuse allegations: According to Shaw Local, a former member of Chapelstreet Church in Geneva has filed a lawsuit accusing the church, its interim pastor, and a former youth leader of sexual abuse and negligence.

☑️ Geneva gold: During Monday’s City Council meeting, Geneva officials honored local athlete Ben Bluemond for winning gold at the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships and proclaimed this week “Ben Bluemond Week” in his honor.

☑️ Winter market: The St. Charles Farmers Market has shifted to an indoor market for the season — every Friday, November through May, from 9AM to noon at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church. They’ll offer a diverse selection of items with more added as the season goes on.

The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

☑️ Passing the torch: After seven years in downtown Batavia, the owner of Paula’s Couture Consignment announced that she is passing ownership of the popular boutique to Amanda Mistretta in the new year. Read her message to the community.

☑️ Expanding a legacy: Volunteers and family members are restoring the historic garden behind the Beith House in St. Charles, now renamed Polly and Walker’s Memorial Garden. Learn about the late couple whose vision first brought it to life nearly four decades ago.

☑️ Courage & kindness: Batavia officials honored the late Batavia High School graduate Brice Worley with a city proclamation and the launch of a new scholarship foundation in his name.

☑️ Dementia support: Several local memory care providers in the Tri-Cities are expanding free monthly support groups to help caregivers and families affected by dementia share resources, connect, and understand their options.

☑️ Funding the future: The Batavia Chamber opened applications for its 2026 Inspire Scholarships program, offering four $1K awards to Batavia High School seniors to help spur entrepreneurship, female leadership, and trades careers.

✳️ Find your rhythm: As we settle into the fall season, St. Mark’s Church in the heart of downtown Geneva is a great place to reset and reconnect — with community, with faith, and with meaningful experiences from Sunday service to local events and gatherings. Learn about the historic institution.

Tim Swann and Claire of She’s Wearing Plaid will kick off the weekend music roundup tonight (Thursday) at the grand opening of Rec Haus in St. Charles beginning at 4:30PM.

A variety of performances will follow through Sunday, including some exciting shows at the Arcada Theatre and performances at both Brother Chimp locations on Saturday.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition — and you won’t find a better value in the Tri-Cities than at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Café. In fact, it was named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living’s 2024 Best of the West.

For just $12.95, enjoy a full spread of fresh, house-made favorites, from fluffy omelets with crispy bacon to Swedish pancakes and Crab Cakes Benedict. Trust me, there’s a reason so many local folks have been coming back for decades.

💥 Holiday Almanack is out! Check out The Little Traveler’s 2025 Holiday Almanack & Look Book for upcoming events and festive new products.

☑️ Made in Batavia: New Moon Vegan, the woman-owned bakery and café in downtown Batavia known for its homemade, plant-based pastries and community involvement, just got inducted into the statewide Illinois Made program.

☑️ Generating some buzz: WGN’s “Around Town” show visited the newly opened Rec Haus in downtown St. Charles, interviewing owner Erik Gilly about his vision for the multifaceted venue featuring an array of games and a full bar. Watch the video.

☑️ Vintage vibes: Warehouse 55, a popular antiques and collectibles shop, is settling into its new downtown Batavia location after relocating from Aurora — bringing its vintage charm to a new, more accessible space on First Street.

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee. The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

☑️ Holiday Open House | Fri 11/7-Sun 11/9 | Blumen Gardens, Sycamore | The garden center turns into a winter wonderland with seasonal gifts, decor and more.

🎟️ Premier Card Show | Sat 11/8, 10AM-3PM | Kane Co. Fairgrounds, STC | Buy, sell, and trade all kinds of cards — plus a food truck and raffles.

✳️ Fertility Masterclass | Sat 11/8, 12-1:30PM | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Join Dr. David Foss and owner Kelly Vida for a fertility-focused afternoon of science, yoga, mindfulness, and movement.

🎟️ Chili Cook Off | Sat 11/8, 1-4PM | Gammon Coach House, Batavia | Taste creative chili dishes, vote for your favorites, and enjoy a drink or two.

☑️ Mocktails & Mixtapes | Sat 11/8, 7-11PM | Soul Studio, Batavia | Beverages, community, and dancing to old-school hits.

🎟️ Country Dance Party | Sat 11/8, 7-11PM | The Dance Lab, STC | A lively dance party on the ballroom floor with BYOB food and drink.

☑️ Holiday Craft Fair | Sun 11/9, 9AM-4PM | Geneva High School | Peruse items from 100+ artisans and crafters while supporting the Geneva Women’s Club.

🎟️ The Last Low Show | Sun 11/9, 11AM-4PM | Cougars Stadium, Geneva | A unique car show with DJs, merch pop-ups, and more.

☑️ Book Fair & Brews | Sun 11/9, 12-5PM | Sturdy Shelter, Batavia | Meet and support 35+ local authors while enjoying a cold beer.

Meet this week’s adorable featured pets from Anderson Humane: Helen and Twizzler.

Helen is a two-year-old Bulldog mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart. With her snow-white coat, endearing piggy snort, and trademark bulldog grin, she’s guaranteed to make you smile. Twizzler is a confident two-year-old kitty with endless charm and plenty to say — playful, affectionate, a little bit sassy, and ready to make friends wherever she goes.

Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit Anderson Humane’s Adoptables page or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.

If you enjoy Tri-Cities Central, please spread the word!