Orland Township’s Holiday Program: Highlighting Donor Kindness

In the spirit of holiday giving, one very special resident of Orland Park donated more than 146 winter hats to Orland Township.

In the spirit of holiday giving, one very special resident of Orland Park donated more than 146 winter hats to Orland Township. Jean Metzler, 86, has been crocheting for over 35 years, but her project really took off in 2005 when she retired from Orland Park’s Prairie School after three decades of working as a secretary.

Since her retirement, Jean has crocheted well over 1,500 hats for children in need, also taking time to hand-deliver them to local organizations to distribute to recipients during the winter months. “When I’m out shopping during the winter, I always take notice to the number of children without hats on their head. That’s why I do what I do; because some children have a need for these types of things.”

For over 30 years, Orland Township has provided a yearly holiday meal, gifts, and other personal items to more than 200 families who are experiencing financial difficulties: with most of the recipients being clients of the Orland Township Food Pantry. Whether donating as a single resident, family, school, or business, the generosity and participation of all donors in the Orland Township Holiday Program is greatly appreciated.

“The Township is fortunate to have such kind-hearted residents like Mrs. Metzler, and because of her, we’ll be able to provide tons of warm winter hats for a number of children this year,” said Supervisor Paul O’Grady. “She noticed a need and decided to use her talent to help out. We truly appreciate her long-time work and generosity when it comes to serving our community.”

For more information on programs, services, and events being held at Orland Township, visit the website, orlandtownship.org, or call (708) 403-4222. Be sure to like the Orland Township Facebook page for more updates.

Jean Metzler with her daughter, Michelle. The two arrived at Orland Township to donate 146 crocheted winter hats for children in need as part of Orland Township’s 2021 Holiday Program. (Alexandria Shipyor | Orland Township)

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Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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