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Getting ready to prepare Fall bags

 
 

Leo was in second grade when he filled out this note that began, “I am thankful for:” In careful pencil, he wrote, “my new coat.”


To a child, a coat is more than clothing. It’s warmth at the bus stop on a bitter Chicago morning and one less worry for a family already stretched thin.


This school year, we’re preparing to serve 875 students at our Fall Event. Because of you, children like Leo can face winter warmly dressed and know someone cares.


That’s the heart of our mission: meeting children’s basic needs while sharing the love of Jesus, who gave Himself for us. (See below for our Armor of God campaign and how we’re sharing the gospel this school year).


As we prepare for our Fall Event and look toward our 25th year of serving Chicagoland children, we’re grateful for what God has done and excited for what’s ahead.


There are more Leos waiting for a coat this winter. Thank you for helping us help them.


  • Give to help: Provide a new coat or other basics for a child.
  • Shop: Join us on Nov 7 from 9am-3pm at the My Joyful Heart Boutique for our Holiday sale.
  • Collect: Host a drive or giving/angel tree with your church, school, neighborhood or workplace.
  • Sponsor: Be Leo's sponsor, or sponsor another child like him.
  • Pray: Ask God to warm and reach every child we serve, and to guide us into year 25.



 

We are truly grateful for the incredible generosity and kindness shown through the coat drives that support our children and families. A heartfelt thank-you to the Chicago-O’Hare Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Old National Bank, and Representative Patrick Sheehan for helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Each coat is a reminder of how much our community cares and because of your generosity, more children will face the cold winter days with comfort and warmth. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our mission!

Current Events

Sponsor a local child in need this Christmas

Share Christ's love this Christmas. Choose a Giving Tree tag and bless a Chicagoland child in need with a gift of joy, hope, and kindness.

Shop for a Cause: My Joyful Heart Boutique

Nov 7, 2026 9am-3pm

A cozy resale boutique in Mokena where every purchase helps a Chicagoland kid in need. New & like-new gifts, home decor, accessories & more - 100% of proceeds go to the kids we serve.

My Joyful Heart | Sowing Seeds

Armor of God (A lesson from Ephesians 6) Every day, kids face things that feel big and scary: feeling alone, worrying, being told they're not enough. The Bible...

Sponsorships | Shining Bright for 25 Years

2027 will be our 25th year of sharing Christ and serving children in need! What an incredible milestone for a small non-profit. Please check out our sponsorship opportunities and save the date...

Child Sponsor Information

We have just finished enrolling all of the children for the school year. Some of the children that were sponsored have not returned to the program. We do hope and pray that they no longer need the assistance but there is a possibility that they have graduated from the school or moved out of the district. Many of these families live very uncertain and transient lives so this is very common. There are many children in need, and if your child is no longer here, we have assigned a new child for you to sponsor.


There is nothing that you need to do but if you are interested in knowing about your new child (name, age, birthday, interests), please reply back to this email and we will provide that information to you or you can call our office Monday-Thursday from 9am-2pm 815-806-1700. You can also text 708-995-1400 (we will reply during our business hours).

 

Your sponsorship has a significant impact on the child's life. Providing essential items such as hygiene products, clothing, bedding, winterwear, undergarments, school supplies and so much more can make a profound difference in ensuring their health, well-being, and educational opportunities. Please know that your generosity and compassion is making a tangible difference in their lives, giving them hope for a brighter future and providing them the emotional and spiritual support that they and their families benefit from. Please keep your sponsored child and family in your prayers. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in the lives of those you sponsor.

Sponsor Letter Deadline

Do not feel obligated, but if you would like to write your sponsored child a letter, the deadlines are included below...

Donate From Home and Support Children in Need

We love when you drop items donations for the children directly to us but what if you have used clothing and household items that we can't use and you still want to support the children of My Joyful Heart? What about all those baby clothes!? We've partnered with DonateStuff.com and here is how you can help...

Thank you very much


A million thank you's to everyone that helps us with donations, drives, and prayers each week. So many beautiful blessings unfold here! Pop over to our social media to catch a glimpse of the joy and impact (links below).


A shout out to Salon Agape for their 10th Anniversary Celebration! They used the money raised at their event to give back to charities that support children in various ways and My Joyful Heart was one of them!

 
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My Joyful Heart | 9981 West 190th Street Suite I-J | Mokena, IL 60448 US