Big Hearts of Fox Valley FAQ

Very much so. Many of the families we assist are experiencing homelessness or are below ALICE households. Every recipient we assist comes from a DIRECT referral from a D303 staff member.

Homeless/Mckinney-Vento

• Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including children and youth who are:
  • Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations.
  • Living in emergency or transitional shelters.
  • Abandoned in hospitals.
  • Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
  • Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.
  • Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

ALICE

• The growing number of individuals and families who work for low wages, lack benefits and paid time off, and often work two jobs - yet struggle to access basic health care, educational opportunities, and secure financial stability.
• Workers who exist in a gap in the social safety network, which focuses on poverty-level support.
• Families living paycheck to paycheck, making difficult choices between paying bills and feeding their families.
• ALICE is one emergency away from slipping into poverty.

ALICE families are working yet struggling to make ends meet.

Every family we serve is personally referred by a trusted D303 staff member—usually a school social worker or counselor who knows the student’s situation firsthand.

This direct referral system eliminates guesswork and ensures our support goes exactly where it’s needed most, when it’s needed most. It allows us to focus our energy on making a real impact—not just hoping we’re making one.

Find out what items we accept year around and need right now.

Items Needed

At this time, we are only able to accept new items. Due to limited storage space and our commitment to providing the highest quality support to families, we are not equipped to sort or store used goods.

We truly appreciate your generosity and understanding as we work to meet the needs of local children with dignity and care.

You can conveniently drop off new items in our donation drop box located in the lobby of Excel Automotive Repair (our founders’ business). There’s a drop-off form attached to the box—just jot down what you donated so we can properly thank you and keep track of incoming items.

Excel Automotive Repair

1207 Foundry St. Unit B
St. Charles, IL 60174

Mon-Fri 9:00 AM- 5:30 PM

(630) 945-3421
If you want a personal tour of Big Hearts of Fox Valley when you drop off your donation, we can arrange a time to meet you there. Email us at info@bigheartsfv.org to schedule.

Absolutely! We host Big Hearts Open Houses a few times each year—watch our Facebook page and website for upcoming dates and details.

If you’d like a personal tour to learn more about our mission or need to schedule a time to drop off a donation, we’d be happy to meet you at the facility. Email us at info@bigheartsfv.org to set up a time that works for you!

Find out how individuals and groups can volunteer their time.

Volunteer

Connect With Us

Partnership Opportunities

We value transparency.

To request a copy of our most recent IRS Form 990, please email us at info@bigheartsfv.org. We’re happy to share how your support is making a responsible and meaningful impact.

Badges we proudly wear:

Partnership Opportunities

Volunteer

Host a drive

If your family is struggling financially and is in need of assistance:

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