Joliet Library Launches Giving Tree for Veterans
The 2026 Giving Tree benefits the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County, which supports veterans with food, personal needs, and housing efforts.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Military Jobs
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The Joliet Public Library has launched its 2026 Giving Tree, which benefits the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County. Patrons and staff choose ornaments from each branch's tree to donate needed items.
Why it matters
The library chose the veterans beneficiary in honor of America's 250th anniversary, directing community donations toward a food and personal needs pantry for veterans. Donations also support efforts to address housing insecurity among veterans in the Joliet area.
The library has run its Giving Tree since 2015, with ornament selection beginning Nov. 23 and donations accepted through Dec. 31, 2026. The total volume of donated items the program expects to collect was not specified.
The players
Joliet Public Library
The public library serving the city of Joliet, which has run a community Giving Tree since 2015.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County
The county commission that supports veterans through a food and personal needs pantry and housing insecurity efforts.
The details
Each library branch displays a tree decorated with ornaments representing needed items, and patrons choose ornaments at the Ottawa Street or Black Road branch starting Nov. 23. Donations of new, unused items are accepted through Dec. 31, and the library's Veteran and Armed Forces accounts are also offered at no cost.
Timeline
Around the end of November: Each branch puts up its Giving Tree.
Nov. 11, 2026: Library closed for Veterans Day.
Nov. 23, 2026: Patrons begin choosing Giving Tree ornaments.
Dec. 31, 2026: Deadline to donate new, unused items.
Roadmap
The library's Giving Tree has rotated beneficiaries since 2015, with past recipients including the Spanish Community Center, Will County Humane Society, and Will County Children's Advocacy Center. This year's veterans focus marks a departure from those prior causes, tied to America's 250th anniversary.
Residents can select an ornament at the Ottawa Street or Black Road branch starting Nov. 23 and donate new, unused items through Dec. 31. Eligible veterans can also obtain a free, fine-free library account that qualifies them for 100 free prints.
The takeaway
Residents who want to help can select an ornament at a library branch or donate new, unused items before the Dec. 31 deadline. Eligible veterans can also apply for a free library account that offers fine-free borrowing and 100 free prints.
What happens next
Donations of new, unused items are accepted through Dec. 31, 2026, and ornament selection opens Nov. 23 at the Ottawa Street and Black Road branches.
Further reading
Explore more on Military Jobs to see how veteran support programs connect to local employment and community resources.
More information
Visit the Joliet Public Library event registration page for details on the Giving Tree and related events.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shaw Local.
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