Where the Love Light Gleams: Community Care Christmas Party Brings Families Together

December 22, 2025

When Zeni, a former Mercy Homer resident, found out that her five-year-old nephew’s school was having cookies with Santa Claus, she said that their family had a different Santa in mind they wanted to meet. Since he was two years old, Zeni’s nephew has attended the Mercy Home Community Care Christmas party.  

For that young boy and so many others, Dreezy Claus (Chicago’s Black Santa) is their Santa Claus. A visit from Dreezy Claus was just one of many highlights at Mercy Home’s 2025 Community Care Christmas party that featured dinner, a toy station, a photo booth, a kiddie corner, and much more.  

“I am so happy that my nephew is able to share the same happiness that I had at Mercy Home,” Zeni said.

More than 20 years ago, Mercy Home hosted its first Christmas party for former residents in a small room of roughly 30 members. Today, that number has grown to more than 300 former residents and family members who receive support throughout the year.  

Every Community Care member is invited and that makes this Christmas party a packed event each year inside Mercy Home’s cavernous indoor soccer facility.

“Each of us in this space this evening had a journey filled with challenges, but the important thing is that we made it through,” said Peter, a former resident who returned as emcee for the night. “We are still here, and that definitely, is something to celebrate. … This evening, let us lean on one another, celebrate our victories, big and small, and always remind ourselves of the strength that comes from community.” 

The families also had the opportunity to go into our gymnasium to receive clothes for the winter weather and other hygiene and personal care supplies, many of which were generously donated by CC’s Wishlist of the Lavin Family Foundation. Additionally, after receiving gifts provided by Mercy Home donors and partners, the kids had the opportunity to take their picture with Dreezy Claus.  

“I look forward to seeing all of my friends here,” Abby, a former Mercy Home resident, said. “We have a really big family so getting the [gifts] was really nice.” 

Community Care continues to foster support and belonging for former residents after they move on from our residential programs, while also including their families. Gatherings like the Christmas party allow the Community Care team to reconnect, check in, and offer support or connections as needed. 

“Mercy Home is always there when I’m at my lowest,” Alise, a former resident, said.  

The party would not have been possible without many of our volunteers, business partners and donors. Optiver provided a $10,000 donation to underwrite the costs of the party and also had employees who volunteered and generously donated toward residential Christmas gifts, with all employee contributions matched by Optiver. 

“Christmas is such a fun time, and you want to make sure that everybody has warm clothing, good meals, and some fun,” Keith Ellett, an Optiver employee who volunteered at the party, said.  

@Properties hosted a toy drive across their Chicagoland offices, collecting two vanloads of toys and gift cards for Community Care members and Shore Capital donated hygiene supplies and $8,000 in grocery gift cards for Community Care families. 

“I love seeing all the families get what they need,” Sonya Dejesus, a Friend’s First program mentor and @Properties Marketing Event Manager said.  

Robert Half, @Properties, LWCC Singles Ministry Service Arm, Optiver, Chicago White Sox Volunteer Corps, Amtrak, UL Solutions, Wilberforce University Alumni Association, and Jones College Prep were among many of our gracious volunteers as well.  

The following week, Chicago Bulls players Jevon Carter and Jalen Smith treated 12 Community Care members to a special Target shopping spree, giving each youth $400 to spend on Christmas gifts and essentials. 

We are so grateful to everyone who came together to make this year’s party a success!