When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Share Our Spare
Why Share Our Spare is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Share Our Spare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in the Chicago area by providing essential items for children aged 0 to 5. Founded in 2012, Share Our Spare aims to disrupt generational cycles of poverty by redistributing new and gently used baby essentials, including diapers, wipes, baby gear, clothing, books, and toys. The organization operates through a sustainable network of over 30 agency partners that serve all 77 Chicago neighborhoods and surrounding counties, reaching more than 6,000 children annually. The organization also boasts partnerships with over 35 corporate sponsors and engages more than 10,000 community members in its mission.
What makes Share Our Spare a great place to connect with friends while supporting a worthy cause is its accessible donation drop-off center at their Sharehouse location on North Kilbourn Avenue. Here, donors can easily contribute gently used baby products on Mondays and Wednesdays, helping to provide warmth, safety, and developmental support for children in need across the city.
Share Our Spare embraces a mission of dignity and empowerment for families, providing crisis mitigation and promoting sustainable practices by recirculating essentials. Its innovative approach ensures that every child can have the foundation for a strong start, supported by a passionate team and community network. With its large, well-organized facility, volunteer programs, and expanding delivery services, Share Our Spare is a vibrant hub that strengthens families and elevates community well-being.
Here's what people think of Share Our Spare
As of recent, Share Our Spare holds a 4.9-star rating based on 39 reviews.
User reviews of Share Our Spare are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its impressive 4.9-star rating based on around 39 reviews. Reviewers appreciate the organization's efficient and compassionate approach to serving families in need, often highlighting the professionalism and dedication of the staff and volunteers. Many commend the quality and usefulness of the items provided, noting how the essentials have alleviated stress and greatly supported children's health and development.
Positive reviews emphasize the ease of donating and the visible impact of contributions, with many donors feeling personally connected to the cause and proud to help local families. Users also praise the organization's clear communication, community outreach, and ability to maintain a well-run system of redistribution that effectively reaches those most vulnerable. The expanding Sharehouse facility and the introduction of a new truck delivery program are recognized as strengths enhancing their capacity.
Negative feedback is minimal but sometimes points to occasional logistical challenges during donation drop-offs, such as limited drop-off hours or minor access difficulties at the warehouse. Some wish for more frequent or flexible donation times to accommodate busy schedules. However, these concerns are rare and often addressed swiftly by the organization's responsive team.
In summary, reviews reflect Share Our Spare as a trusted, impactful, and heartfelt nonprofit that delivers essential aid with dignity. Its strong community presence and commitment to sustainable support have earned the respect and gratitude of both recipients and donors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
MaL L
Lovely place and staff! Great place to donate baby items.
Mariyah Alicea
Not only are the staff AWESOME, but this whole organization is so wholesome! Made my first donation yesterday and will definitely be back later this week to donate many more things. I was told social workers come everyday to "shop" (pick out what's needed). All I needed to do was complete a SHORT google from, took less than 5 minutes.
James Y
If you have the time and like the idea of helping your community then I highly recommend searching this place for volunteering opportunities.
Luke Meissner
Wonderful organization! They are doing a wonderful service to the community in Chicago. Highly recommend taking some employees to do a day of service.
D C
Great organization to donate gently used baby & kids clothing or toys. You can also gift, new baby essentials (diapers, etc) or cash donations.
How to reach Share Our Spare
None
Website: None
Why Share Our Spare may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Share Our Spare with your friends? Share Our Spare stands apart as an inspiring venue where meaningful gathering meets community impact. Located in Chicago, this vibrant space offers more than just a physical location—it invites groups to come together with a shared sense of purpose, supporting families in need while enjoying a warm, welcoming environment. Imagine rallying with your friends or family not only to reconnect and have fun but to also engage in an activity that directly benefits your community. With a remarkable rating of 4.9 from nearly 40 reviews, visitors consistently praise the organization for its impactful mission, friendly atmosphere, and meaningful volunteer opportunities. Here, every meeting becomes an opportunity to make a tangible difference, as your group contributes to gathering essential baby items and supporting families facing poverty. This combination of social engagement and philanthropic action transforms any meetup into a purposeful event, fostering deeper connections among your group members while creating real social value. Whether you’re looking for a unique location for a casual gathering or a group activity that builds team spirit and empathy, Share Our Spare offers the perfect balance between community service and heartfelt camaraderie.
What activities can you enjoy at Share Our Spare?
Share Our Spare offers a variety of group activities that make it an ideal meetup location for friends or family. One of the primary activities is volunteering together to sort, pack, and prepare essential baby items such as clothing, strollers, and high chairs. This hands-on experience not only strengthens bonds through teamwork but provides a meaningful way to give back. Additionally, you can participate in educational workshops and advocacy programs offered occasionally at their Sharehouse—a community hub open to social organizations, corporations, and partner agencies. These workshops foster learning and dialogue around poverty and child welfare, making group visits both educational and impactful. For groups passionate about social causes or looking to spark meaningful conversations, these events serve as conversation starters that keep the spirit of giving alive even after the meetup. Also, the Sharehouse serves as a space where groups can organize private gatherings or training sessions, equipped with conference room facilities that support collaborative discussions and planning. These diverse activities enable your group to connect on multiple levels—through service, learning, and socializing—enhancing the overall meetup experience.
Why is Share Our Spare perfect for hosting a group meetup?
Share Our Spare is uniquely suited for group gatherings because of its mission-driven, inclusive environment designed to foster collaboration and community. First, the facility itself is welcoming and spacious, with a dedicated Sharehouse location that accommodates group activities comfortably. Parking convenience and accessible directions make it easy for everyone to arrive and participate without hassle. More importantly, the organization’s focus on supporting families through donations and partnerships offers your group a powerful shared goal to work towards—amplifying the sense of purpose during your time together. The ability to donate essential baby items as a group reinforces your contribution’s immediacy and impact, making your meetup feel rewarding and gratifying. Hosting your meetup here also introduces your friends or family to the realities of poverty in a sensitive yet illuminating way, enhancing empathy and social awareness among participants. Plus, the positive feedback from community partners and recipients underscores the meaningful outcomes of each group’s efforts. All of these factors combined make Share Our Spare an outstanding venue where your meetup can extend beyond mere social time into a memorable, community-strengthening event.
How can your group maximize its impact when meeting at Share Our Spare?
Maximizing the impact of your meetup at Share Our Spare starts with thoughtful planning and engagement. First, coordinate with the organization to understand current needs; for example, collecting new baby essentials or gently used items is always crucial. Organizing a donation drive in advance encourages every group member to contribute, creating a collective effort that visibly benefits families. During your visit, embracing volunteering opportunities such as sorting donations or assembling care packages provides tangible benefits and an interactive experience. It is also valuable to attend or arrange educational sessions that Share Our Spare occasionally offers, allowing your group to deepen its understanding of poverty-related issues within the community. Finally, consider scheduling your meetup to coincide with community events or volunteer shifts promoted by Share Our Spare, as this ensures your group is part of a larger, meaningful movement. By combining donations, volunteering, and education, your group amplifies its positive social footprint and builds lasting memories rooted in shared service and compassion.
What should groups expect when visiting the Sharehouse location?
Visitors to the Sharehouse, where Share Our Spare operates, can expect a well-organized, supportive environment geared toward community service and collaboration. The location is clean, accessible, and designed to facilitate the donation and distribution process smoothly. Upon arrival, groups will find ample parking conveniently located near the entrance, with instructions readily available to guide first-time visitors. The space is not only functional for managing donations but also serves as a welcoming hub where agency partners, volunteers, and social organizations frequently connect. Groups can expect a friendly, helpful staff and volunteers who provide guidance and make the experience both productive and enjoyable. Furthermore, the Sharehouse offers rooms and resources for meetings or training, allowing groups to conduct activities beyond volunteering, such as discussions or planning sessions. The overall atmosphere is one of inclusiveness and community spirit, making it both easy and fulfilling for groups to engage actively in social impact work together.
How does supporting Share Our Spare connect your group to the wider community?
Supporting Share Our Spare as a group links your meetup to a broad network of nonprofits, social agencies, and families across multiple counties—including Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake, among others. The organization partners with dozens of agencies that serve children and families living in poverty throughout these regions, ensuring that donations and volunteer efforts reach those who need them most. By rallying at Share Our Spare, your group becomes part of a larger collaborative effort aimed at closing the gap for underserved families. This connection fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community solidarity that extends beyond your immediate circle. Moreover, testimonials from case managers and community leaders highlight the relief and support Share Our Spare provides, showing your group’s impact resonates deeply within the social service ecosystem. This broader connection enriches your group's experience by demonstrating that the time, effort, and resources you invest contribute to meaningful systemic change, strengthening community ties and supporting vulnerable populations.
What makes Share Our Spare stand out among community service venues?
Several attributes make Share Our Spare stand out as a premier destination for both community service and group meetups. Its strong focus on children’s essentials—such as new baby items and gently used clothing—targets a critical area of need that directly improves child welfare and family stability. The organization’s rigorous standards and accreditation testify to its effectiveness and ethical management, providing visitors confidence that their contributions will be utilized efficiently. Share Our Spare’s model of working through local nonprofits and agencies ensures resources are distributed thoughtfully and sustainably rather than relying on direct charitable handouts. This partnership approach magnifies the impact of donations and volunteer work, which appeals to groups seeking meaningful and lasting change. Additionally, the Sharehouse space is expressly designed to be a hub for advocacy, education, and partnership building, providing more than just a donation center—it's a vibrant community resource. These factors collectively create a rich environment where social action and community engagement happen simultaneously, elevating Share Our Spare above typical service venues.
How does Share Our Spare accommodate and enhance group participation?
Share Our Spare is adept at accommodating groups and providing an enriching experience tailored to their size and interests. They offer flexible volunteer sessions where groups can work collaboratively sorting items, packing essential kits, or preparing donations for distribution, ensuring everyone can contribute meaningfully regardless of experience. The Sharehouse’s layout and available equipment, such as carts for handling large volumes of items, make group work efficient and manageable. Additionally, the organization welcomes groups to use their conference rooms for meetings, training, or educational workshops, providing a comfortable setting for discussions or strategy planning. Their openness to corporate, social, and nonprofit groups encourages networking and the sharing of ideas, transforming ordinary meetups into dynamic social impact events. Further enhancing group participation, Share Our Spare provides clear instructions and support for drop-off and donation events, which helps groups navigate logistics smoothly. This thoughtful design fosters a positive, productive environment that keeps groups engaged and motivated throughout their visit.
What are the benefits of choosing Share Our Spare for your next group meetup?
Choosing Share Our Spare for your next meetup offers unique benefits that blend social good with personal connection. Most notably, your group will experience the satisfaction of directly contributing to families’ well-being by supporting an organization dedicated to providing essential baby items to those in need. This shared mission fosters unity, compassion, and a powerful sense of accomplishment. The positive reviews and high rating reflect guests’ consistently rewarding experiences, highlighting the organization’s welcoming atmosphere and impact-driven activities. The logistics are group-friendly, with accessible parking, clear donation protocols, and available resources for meetings or events, eliminating common challenges of group outing planning. Furthermore, the educational opportunities and chance to connect with partner agencies enrich the meetup beyond socializing, making your visit informative and inspiring. Ultimately, Share Our Spare empowers groups to make a lasting difference while enjoying meaningful time together—turning every meetup into a memorable occasion that extends goodwill into the wider community.
How can your group start planning a meetup at Share Our Spare?
To start planning your meetup at Share Our Spare, begin by reaching out through their official website or by phone to discuss your group size and interests. It is helpful to identify whether your group prefers to focus primarily on volunteering, educational workshops, or a combination of activities. Coordinating donation drives in advance can maximize your group’s impact and ensure that your visit supports current needs. Asking about available dates and times for volunteer shifts or room bookings will help you schedule efficiently, as Share Our Spare manages drop-offs and activities by appointment or scheduled sessions. Preparing your group with clear instructions on donation policies, drop-off locations, and volunteer dress code will facilitate a smooth experience. Finally, consider grouping these logistics with social time or meals nearby to enhance the outing’s enjoyment and cohesion. By taking these steps early, your group will have a well-organized, purposeful, and highly rewarding meetup at Share Our Spare.
What have others said about visiting Share Our Spare?
Visitors and community partners consistently commend Share Our Spare for its meaningful mission and welcoming environment. Many highlight the fulfillment of volunteering together and the tangible impact of supplying baby essentials to families in need. Case managers and social workers testify to the critical support Share Our Spare provides to their clients, underscoring the organization’s reliability and community value. Families benefiting from the donations often express gratitude for receiving much-needed items, showing the real-world effects of your group’s efforts. Volunteers appreciate the organization’s clear guidance, efficient systems, and warm atmosphere that make every visit productive and enjoyable. The high rating near 5 stars reflects the overall satisfaction of those who engage with Share Our Spare, attributing their positive experiences to the thoughtful structure and heartfelt mission of the organization. This positive feedback further assures groups that rallying here is both impactful and rewarding.
This comprehensive article highlights why Share Our Spare is an exceptional venue to host meetups with friends or family, focusing on the unique combination of community service, social connection, and educational opportunities it provides. The organizational mission, facilities, and positive community impact make it a standout choice for meaningful group gatherings.