At Deerfield-based nonprofit Gratitude Generation (g2), it’s always the season for thankfulness.
The organization’s mission is to instill gratitude into future generations through education and service. Numerous monthly programs support neighbors in need to the north in Waukegan and North Chicago as well as across the North Shore and into Norridge and other parts of Chicago.
As we approach g2’s 7th anniversary, our origin story tells a tale filled with passion, perseverance and thankfulness. The five women founders came together in late 2017 after a social media post sought like-minded parents who wanted to teach gratitude to their children by having them donate toys to children in need. Hundreds of people chimed in. Conversations continued, and it was evident that the community wanted more accessible, free, hands-on service projects for kids of all ages and their families. After spending many hours researching, learning and networking with others, the founders launched a nonprofit in just a few months.
Since its inception, g2’s programming has never stopped. Even during the stressful times of the pandemic, g2 volunteers collected and distributed food and personal care items for those in need across the North Shore and Chicagoland.
Bye Bye-Boredom Bags is a program born out of the pandemic when schools were closed and that continues today. Each bag comprises six small, non-electric, no-Wi-Fi-required items that kids can play with on their own during summer breaks and vacations. Other programs teach gratitude through tools such as journals and jars.
Studies indicate that children and teens who participate in programs like these are happier, healthier and experience more success in school. Our goal is to recognize the GLOW (Gratitude Lights Our World) in our communities by helping people become more aware of what they have, how they can help and what their actions mean to the health and wellness of others. Learn more and sign up to help at gratitudegeneration.org.
How to Show Thanks
● Create a gratitude jar. Add notes of gratitude for inspiration or collect change for charity.
● Volunteer your time. There are g2 programs benefitting students, animals, veterans, those experiencing homelessness and others.
● Open your wallet. Donations of any amount make a major impact.