CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The cancellation of the International Housewares Show to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is having a negative impact on some Chicago area charities.The Sertoma Centre in Alsip serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those living with mental illnesses. Each year, for the past 15 years, when the Housewares Show is over, the Sertoma Centre is one of a handful of charities that gets to solicit donations of wares from vendors.
"We have over 100 skids of products that we pack up each year. We bring 150 volunteers with us. It's a really big production," said Debra Marillo, Sertoma Centre.Marillo said items are first offered to clients and the rest is sold to the public and that generates about $75,000 net for the organization.She said that when the organization first found out the Housewares Show was being cancelled, "we were devastated." But, she adds, "we understand why it had to happen and it was probably the best thing for them to do in light of this coronavirus. They're keeping us out of harm's way and we understand that and we understand that we aren't the only ones who lost here."Now, Sertoma Centre and four other organizations are scrambling to try to make up for the unexpected loss. Sertoma Centre plans a major "cook-off" event later this year.Other organizations that have benefited from the Housewares Show includes, Together We Cope in Tinley Park, the Salvation Army, K9s for Veterans in Plainfield, and Family Shelter Services in Wheaton.
