Our Programs
Fighting Hunger
Food justice is an important part of community justice. We take donations from local businesses and use them to fight hunger. Help us connect with donors and with people in need.
Volunteer Service Saturday
Every other Saturday, we mobilize our team of volunteers to make a real difference. Join us and see what can be accomplished when you get on an impassioned team to focus on change.
Community Connections
Our community is full of people who want to help. We work to help the people providing services with the people who need them. Come connect with people in new ways.
About us
Founder, Shelia Hoffman
In 1998, Shelia started to work at Mike and Cherry Hair Salon. I was here she experienced God's great favor. Cherry, the owner allowed her to work rent-free until she built an acceptable clientele.
In 2000, she opened Blessings Hair Salon in Bellwood, IL. She celebrated 17 years of beauty salon ownership success. She studied Real Estate at
In 1998, Shelia started to work at Mike and Cherry Hair Salon. I was here she experienced God's great favor. Cherry, the owner allowed her to work rent-free until she built an acceptable clientele.
In 2000, she opened Blessings Hair Salon in Bellwood, IL. She celebrated 17 years of beauty salon ownership success. She studied Real Estate at Century 21 Lullo in Addison, IL and received an Illinois salesperson license in 2002. She worked until the economy changed in 2012.
In December 2003, she felt led by God to start collecting toys at her hair salon to give to various local churches to help with their Toys for Joy giveaways to underserved children in the surrounding communities. This partnership continued for 3 years. This was the seed for forming The Gift of Love.
In 2007, God gave her a vision to make the dreams come true of two special families by getting them what their hearts desired for Christmas. With the tremendous help and
hearts of her faithful clients, she has been doing just that ever since.
In 2011, she enrolled part-time in Triton Community College where she completed her studies with high honors and attained her A.A.S. in Business Management in 2015. She is currently the President of The Gift of Love, an Illinois nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization.
Executive Assistant
Ashley N. Wright
Ashley is a native of suburban Bellwood, Illinois and has served her family-oriented community since she was an early teenager. Some of her volunteer experiences were in partnership with organizations including the Village of Bellwood Municipality and the Bellwood School District 88. She attended Proviso West High School,
Ashley N. Wright
Ashley is a native of suburban Bellwood, Illinois and has served her family-oriented community since she was an early teenager. Some of her volunteer experiences were in partnership with organizations including the Village of Bellwood Municipality and the Bellwood School District 88. She attended Proviso West High School, graduating ahead of her class, and was inducted into the National Honor Society. In 2014, she graduated from Elmhurst University with a Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology. In 2018, she went on to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Training and Development with Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Ashley has graced her neighboring communities and school districts by serving as an educator. Realizing her ability to understand people and build healthy, purposeful relationships, she decided to extend her talents and skills to the people-side of the corporate world. Ashley currently works in the field of Human Resources and is helping to develop organizations, and the people at the core of them.
Ashley has supported The Gift of Love through various volunteer opportunities since meeting and joining the Founder, Shelia Hoffman, in her efforts in 2005. Today, she serves as the administrative support personnel and volunteer of TGOL.Ashley describes her involvement with TGOL over the years as “A Social Responsibility Experience”. She has learned the importance of not only giving monetary donations and volunteering time, but also sharing her heart and learning humility, which has shaped the woman and mother she is today. When asked who ignited the fire in her to serve, she acknowledges her own mother’s acts of compassion and selflessness, and the faith-based teachings on giving and servant leadership from President of TGOL, Shelia, whom she’s known since she was 15 years old.
Announcement
Welcome! Check out our Christmas Blessings shopping list.
The Gift of Love is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Illinois. We provide Christmas blessings to individuals, kids, and families who are living below the poverty level. We do our best to ensure that everyone receives a gift for Christmas, especially children. Any item that you purchase for our list will be greatly appreciated!