Havas Chicago and The Night Ministry Launch "The Donation Display" to Help Unhoused Chicagoans.

In a city known for its vibrant holiday traditions, Havas Chicago partners with the nonprofit The Night Ministry to present "The Donation Display," an innovative way to support unhoused Chicagoans. At first glance, the display mimics the traditional holiday shopping showcase, but as onlookers draw nearer, the facade gives way to a more profound narrative—revealing the reality that the holiday season may not be as joyful for Chicago’s 68,000+ unhoused residents. Transforming the century-old custom of festive window shopping, Havas Chicago and The Night Ministry invite everyone to give a gift that helps our most vulnerable neighbors access vital resources.

The Donation Display reimagines Chicago's holiday window displays as gateways to giving. Situated at 36 E. Grand in Havas Chicago’s lobby, a block away from the Magnificent Mile, the display includes a QR code that allows passersby to directly support The Night Ministry with a simple scan and donation, ensuring that contributions go straight to aiding disadvantaged families and individuals in the Chicagoland area and sharing the holiday spirit in a meaningful way.

In addition to financial contributions, Havas Chicago is also accepting physical donations of essential items on behalf of The Night Ministry, welcoming individuals to walk into the lobby to donate. From December 6th until December 22nd during business hours, the public is encouraged to contribute items such as unopened packages of new adult-size underwear, thermal kits, sturdy gloves, winter hats, hand and foot warmers, new men’s t-shirts, new men's sweatpants and new adult-size sweatshirts/hoodies.

All items collected will be directly donated to The Night Ministry to further support those in need during the winter season. 

Myra Nussbaum, President and Chief Creative Officer of Havas Chicago, explains the inspiration behind the display, "We all love the lighting of the Mag Mile and the window displays in the historic Marshall Field's building that Macy's brings us each year. They make the holiday season more merry and bright and inspire us to buy gifts for others. Our Donation Display depicts a glorious wintery scene in downtown Chicago, but it also depicts the plight of over 68,000 Chicagoans experiencing homelessness and reminds you they need gifts, too. Partnering with The Night Ministry, we invite the community to join in and extend meaningful support for our neighbors."

A Unified Effort:

In alignment with The Night Ministry’s mission, this initiative aims to extend a lifeline of support to members of our community who are unhoused or experiencing poverty, "Through The Donation Display, we're inviting the community to join us in our efforts to provide warmth during the coldest months and essential services throughout the year to our unhoused neighbors," said Carol J. Sharp, President and CEO of The Night Ministry.

Display Details:

●  Display Duration: December 6th - January 1st

●  Location: 36 E. Grand, Havas Chicago's lobby

●  Participation: Open to the public. Donations can be made via the displayed QR code.

●  Physical Donations Accepted: From December 6th until December 22nd, Havas Chicago will accept material donations in their lobby during business hours, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm CT.

Join the Movement:

We call upon the Chicagoland community to come together at 36 E. Grand from December 6th through January 1st. Experience The Donation Display, make a contribution and spread the message of compassion this holiday season. 

About Havas Chicago:

Havas Chicago is part of Havas Creative, a powerful network of creative agencies made up of best-in-class, cross-disciplinary talent spread across our villages globally. Havas Chicago is committed to building brands through powerful strategies and meaningful creativity. As part of Havas Creative North America, we fuse independent spirit with global scale. Together, we share the same mission to leverage creativity as a force for good and create meaningful connections between people and brands. Learn more at our website: www.chi.havas.com.

About The Night Ministry:

The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization that provides human connection, housing support and health care to members of our community who are unhoused or experiencing poverty. With an open heart, we compassionately accept each individual as they are and work alongside them to advocate for their immediate physical, emotional and social needs while affirming our shared humanity. Learn more athttps://www.thenightministry.org/.

For more information, please contact:

Geno Schellenberger

Communications Manager

Havas Chicago

geno.schellenberger@havas.com

630-392-5123