@gives back, the charitable arm of @properties, is spreading the love this holiday season with the donation of 5,000 winter coats and 10,000 toys to families in need. The items are making their way into local communities through 18 organizations around Chicagoland, including Ronald McDonald House Charities, Kids Off the Block, and the Jesse White Learning Academy.

What do @properties and the Wu-Tang Clan have in common? An undeniable love for Chicago and giving back. Last month, @gives back partnered with Wu Tang Foundation, the charitable arm of the world-renowned hip hop group, and Strides for Peace, a Chicago non-profit dedicated to ending gun violence and empowering community organizations, for the inaugural Chicago Neighborhood Cleanup event.

Through @properties’ non-profit foundation, @gives back, we’re proud to support a number of incredible organizations that are creating meaningful change in our communities.

Philanthropy is a year-round endeavor at @properties. This holiday season, we wanted to show our gratitude in a way that would impact local families at a time when they need it most.

As part of our December of Giving campaign, @properties donated 5,000 winter coats and over 2,500 toy scooters that found their way into local communities with the help of five Chicago-area non-profit organizations: The Jesse White Foundation, Paving the Way Project, Kids Off The Block, Purpose Over Pain, and New Life.

Last month, our non-profit foundation, @gives back, hosted its “Fashion for a Cure” fundraiser supporting the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation – one of the nation’s leading breast cancer research and education charities.

Jonny Imerman emerged from his triumphant fight against cancer at the age of 26 with one overarching belief: that no one should have to face the disease alone.

Through his boundless energy, optimism, and determination to help others, Jonny created Imerman Angels – a Chicago-based organization that matches mentor “angels” with cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers who provide personalized one-on-one support.

At @properties, we’re committed to helping make a positive impact on our community, and that’s why we’re proud to announce that Imerman Angels is the 2017 beneficiary of our non-profit foundation, @gives back. Watch the video above to learn more about the partnership and how you can get involved.

Whether there’s a cause that hits close to home, or philanthropy just makes you feel good, there are a number of reasons people give back. No matter the reason, charitable work is essential to strengthening our neighborhoods and communities. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, here are a few suggestions: