On Saturday, January 25 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) will host Community Cares, an event providing fun, interactive opportunities for children and families to give back to their community. DCM is partnering with local organizations Naperville Public Library, Naper Settlement, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, and Fox Valley United Way to provide a variety of activities. DCM will be collecting unopened nonperishables and toiletries for a local food bank during the event.
Participating organizations were invited to create activities that inspire giving back, shifting from the typical “make and take” model. For example, DCM will engage families in preparing materials for upcoming programs, such as cutting, counting, and sorting supplies—practices that build math and fine motor skills. Other activities include making toys for shelter animals with Naperville Public Library, creating puzzles with Naper Settlement for nursing homes, preparing bird feeders with Knoch Knolls Nature Center, and more—all promoting community support and thoughtful engagement.
Providing opportunities to give back to the community fosters empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility. These intentional activities help children understand the value of helping others, builds strong connections to their community, and encourages lifelong habits of kindness and generosity. “We hope this event will show that you can contribute to your community at any age,” shared Shamra Fallon, DCM’s Public Programs Manager. “Giving back is a fun way for families to spend time together.”
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To add to the excitement on January 25, Black Moon Trio, DCM’s Artist-In-Residence, will be at the Museum for three performances. The first performance at 11:00 a.m. is inspired by the book The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure. It pairs storytelling with music to explore the lakes' formation, preservation, and cultural significance. Through the journey of a single drop of water, audiences will gain a deeper appreciation for these vital freshwater resources and their six quadrillion gallons of life-sustaining water. Additionally, Black Moon Trio will play short Tiny Great Performances at 1:00 and 1:45 p.m.
Admission to DuPage Children's Museum is $19 for adults and children age 1 and older, and $18 for seniors; it's free for members and children under one year. Get tickets at dupagechildrens.org/community-cares.
Tiny Great Performances are supported by the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation and partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. Artist-In-Residence is supported by The City of Naperville Special Events and Community Arts Commission and the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation.
The Museum is located at 301 N. Washington Street in Naperville, Illinois, a quick walk from the Naperville Metra train station. Parking is free and the building is wheelchair accessible. For information, visit dupagechildrens.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
