Event will share resources, educate community on the importance of organ and tissue donor registration
CHICAGO (Nov. 5, 2025) — Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network is extending its mission of generosity and healing through the launch of its inaugural Faith and Hope Fall Expo, a new community event celebrating the season of giving and bringing essential health services and resources to families across Chicago’s South Side. In November Faith and Hope Month honors all religions for their support of organ and tissue donation.
The Faith and Hope Fall Expo will take place Saturday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Greenwood Oasis on the campus of New Life Covenant Church Southeast, located at 7621 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago. Gift of Hope and its partners expect to serve hundreds of families by providing food, winter essentials, and free health services while sharing information on the life-changing impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation.
“This is more than a registration, food and coat drive. With thousands of families potentially losing essential government support, now is the time for us to come together in faith and service to help ensure the well-being and stability of our community,” said Marion Shuck, Executive Vice President of Governmental Relations & External Affairs at Gift of Hope. “Whether through much needed produce, a flu shot or the decision to become an organ donor, every act of generosity strengthens the fabric of our community.”
The Faith and Hope Fall Expo gathers local partners and health organizations in the spirit of compassion and generosity, foundational beliefs in organ and tissue donation. Attendees will have access to a wide range of free resources and family-friendly activities, including:
- Winter coat giveaway sponsored by Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club
- Fresh produce distribution sponsored by Blocks2Cities
- Free flu vaccinations provided by Jewel-Osco
- Teddy bear and backpack giveaways sponsored by Me and My Bears
“The greatest gift you can give is one of comfort, whether that is by receiving a much-needed winter coat or a free flu shot,” said Shuck “By combining immediate community aid with the opportunity to register as an organ and tissue donor, this event shows that generosity comes in many forms with each one helping to save or transform a life.”
About Gift of Hope
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network is the nonprofit organ procurement organization (OPO) that coordinates organ and tissue donation and provides public education on donation in Illinois and northwest Indiana. As one of 55 OPOs in the national organ donation system, Gift of Hope works with 180 hospitals and serves 12 million people in its donation service area. Since 1986, its work has saved the lives of more than 29,000 organ transplant recipients and improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of tissue transplant recipients. For more information, visit giftofhope.org.