St. George Circle of Serbian Sisters in Joliet helps those in need at home and abroad

JOLIET – About two months ago, Chris Book, a member of St. George Circle of Serbian Sisters, spent a day at a warehouse in Gary, Indiana, where volunteers had sorted, labeled and packed a variety of goods, personal care products and clothing into a 40-foot cargo.

Book, of Joliet, said that translated to 427 personal gifts to be delivered to children at 12 orphanages in Serbia.

That cargo was due Thursday, in time for Christmas as set by the Julian calendar (Jan. 7) and when the holiday is celebrated in Serbia, Book said. The warehouse is part of Lifeline Humanitarian Organization, which provides relief for Serbian orphans, young adults with mental illness and adults with disabilities, she said.

“We’re very lucky to have this organization where we can serve our people back home,” said Sophie Anderson of Channahon, president emeritus of the circle, which is part of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Joliet. “When we take care of people in the homeland, it shows our unity and love for them; we’re united in our faith and our blood.”

Lifeline Humanitarian Organization has a Chicago office, and volunteers from six regional churches – including St. George – helped pack the cargo, Book said. Lifeline is just one ministerial effort of St. George’s circle, which turned 85 this past year, Book said.

“A spirit of giving has always defined our circle,” Book said in an email.

The average age of the 50 members of this extremely active circle – or kolo – is 60, and most are second- and third-generation Serbian Americans, Book said, with family back in the “old country.”

The circle raised more than $10,000 at an Oct. 25 luncheon for Lifeline, which was the second time the circle has hosted an event for the organization, as various churches take turns, Book said.

Features of that luncheon included a live and silent auction. Among the prizes were a hand-carved wooden image of St. George – crafted by one of the teenagers staying at the Vasa Stajic shelter in Serbia – and a tennis ball signed by professional tennis player Novak Djokovic that launched a bidding war, Book said.

A couple of weeks later, the St. George kolo raised $1,500 at its annual chicken dinner for other ministries it supports.

“We have one woman that washes the chickens for every single chicken dinner. She just rolls up her sleeves,” Book said.

The kolo also hosts smaller fundraisers throughout the year, such as noodle sales and bake sales. Proceeds go to upkeep of the parish house, altar linens and vestments, Book said, as well as the occasional care basket and a Serbian monastery in Libertyville that offers a children’s camp.

“We also collect food for MorningStar Mission, which we deliver every couple of months,” Book said.

Even the annual Christmas party the kolo hosts for its members focuses on others.

“Instead of exchanging gifts, we gather money,” Anderson said. “It goes to a charitable organization. It could be Lifeline, or it could go directly to someone that needs a little extra help.”

But the importance of the kolo extends beyond the service projects, valuable as they are. The kolo is a sisterhood of women, joined in heritage, faith and mutual respect and support.

“I enjoyed giving of myself. It’s all I have to give. You can’t do any more than that,” Anderson said. “My time is something for you. But a lot of people say, ‘I don’t have time for that.’ ”

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For information on Lifeline Humanitarian Organization, visit www.lifelinechicago.org. For information on St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, visit www.stgeorgejoliet.org.