By David A. F. Sweet This holiday season, the City of Lake Forest and the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce have again partnered to open the Think Local Pop-Up Shop to benefit shoppers and local nonprofits.
Set in a new location this year at 653 Bank Lane (between Left Bank and Sweet’s), the shop opened on Nov. 24 and will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the holiday season. Market Square generously provided the space for the shop.
Joanna Rolek, executive director of the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, discussed why the shop has been so popular.
“It’s a source of some terrific items with Lake Forest and Lake Bluff orientations and also, very importantly, every dollar of the sale goes directly in support of 17 non-profits,” she said. “In the first couple of days the shop has been open, we’ve seen the public’s excitement at having so many options in branded clothing and accessories, environmentally friendly products, beautiful local art prints, cards and ornaments, and perfect hostess and holiday gifts for all ages. The shop is a magical collaboration in the spirit of the season.”
Proceeds from purchases support Elawa Farm, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA), Mothers Trust Foundation, along with 14 other non-profits.
Paula Turelli, executive director of Mothers Trust Foundation, is a big fan of the Pop-Up Shop. “With all of the new families in town, it’s a wonderful way to learn about our local non-profits in one place and purchase a gift that gives back,” she said. “We have gotten many new donors and friends of Mothers Trust that learned about us at the shop. It is a great way to share our mission in a warm and no-pressure environment.” New this year, the City is selling limited-edition Lake Forest branded merchandise so residents can represent their hometown. All proceeds from City merchandise will be given back to the participating non-profits.
And aside from the opportunity to find gifts, visitors can drop letters for Santa in a special mailbox. Learn more about the Think Local Pop-Up Shop at https://www.lflbchamber.com/think-local-pop-up-shop/
