Abilities Plus is preparing for the Christmas season with their annual holiday open house.

The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1100 N. East St. in Kewanee. The public is welcome to attend, and refreshments will be provided.  

The open house will feature a bake sale, raffle items and the chance to purchase collectibles, holiday décor, ornaments, sensory jars, epoxy coasters and The Daily Fix Nutrition tea.

Pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be available for a $3 suggested donation. Abilities Plus 2026 Wall Calendars will also be given out to attendees.

“We have lots of raffle items this year,” said Lauren Dynes-Gillespie, Abilities Plus director of development.

Raffle items include an American Girl Doll set, John Deere basket, Cozy Christmas Items gift set, coffee baskets, home décor baskets, gift card baskets, several children’s toys, several handmade quilts, children’s chair sets and more.

Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Winners will be drawn at 3 p.m. on Dec. 7; ticket holders need not be present to win. 

Abilities Plus Resale Shop volunteers have gathered items throughout the year and will sell a unique collection of gifts, holiday décor, antiques and specialty items at the event.  

In addition, there will be handmade ornaments and epoxy coasters for sale that individuals in our Client Day Services program created. Proceeds from those sales will support that program. Prices will vary. These are limited quantities; first come, first served. 

The organization’s residential services program will sell Abilities Plus handmade sensory jars for $7 each and proceeds will go towards purchasing Christmas presents for residential clients. 

The children’s services department will have a photo booth set up where individuals can get a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. A suggested donation of $3 is requested and families will receive a digital copy of the photo.

They will also be selling tea donated by The Daily Fix Nutrition. 

Abilities Plus is requesting donations of baked goods for their annual open house bake sale. Donations of baked goods can be brought to the agency on Friday, Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; or dropped off at the agency via Door C on Sunday, Dec. 7 from noon to 1 p.m.

All proceeds from the open house help fund programs that benefit children and adults with delays and disabilities in Henry, Stark and western Bureau Counties.