Community outreach
At Orphans of the Storm, we love partnering with our community by offering presentations, adoption events, and shelter tours, and by participating in a wide variety of community-focused events. We work with:
- Schools
- Businesses
- Clubs
- Religious organizations
- Other charitable organizations
To partner with us, please email info@orphansofthestorm.org.
Upcoming events
There are so many ways you can get involved with Orphans of the Storm. Check out these upcoming events below:
Presentations and shelter tours
We love partnering with our community to provide educational presentations tailored to your audience. Whether yours is a nonprofit gathering, school assembly, or rotary meeting, we have an appropriate presentation to introduce your group to our mission of helping homeless dogs and cats.
We can host you onsite or bring our humane education program to your nonprofit club, school, Scout troop, or faith-based organization.
To schedule your presentation or tour, please contact us at info@orphansofthestorm.org.
Corporate events
We’re fortunate to have so many corporations near our shelter, and we welcome the opportunity to partner with you on your next corporate event. Whether it’s “Casual Friday” or a family day on your campus, we can customize an event to excite and engage your employees. It may be as simple as an information table staffed by knowledgeable volunteers – to a full-blown adoption event during lunch. We can also come to visit your company or town-sponsored charity fair.
To schedule a visit from one of our representatives, please contact us at info@orphansofthestorm.org.
Offsite adoption events
Getting our dogs and cats out into the community to meet potential adopters increases their chances of finding a home, while also helping to boost foot traffic at your event or small business. By incorporating a fundraiser, such as donation drives or a percentage of sales benefiting the shelter, you can engage the community, raise awareness, and provide vital support for our animals.
To schedule an adoption event, please contact us at info@orphansofthestorm.org.
Look. Sit. Stay in touch. Get Shelter News!
Bake for a Build Bake Sale
Hawthorn Mall122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon HillsVernon Hills, IL60061 Map
Join us for our first-ever "Bake for a Build" Bake Sale, featuring delicious treats for people and pets, all in support of a cause close to our hearts. All proceeds from this bake sale will directly support Orphans of the Storm’s new building project, helping us create a safer, healthier, and more humane space for the animals in our care.
The bake sale will take place January 24th and 25th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at our Hawthorn Mall Adoption Showcase, located at Hawthorn Mall (upper level, right next to Macy’s). Stop by to grab something sweet, pick up a treat for your pet, and learn more about the lifesaving work happening every day at our shelter.
Since 1928, Orphans of the Storm has been a lifeline for more than 150,000 homeless cats and dogs. However, our current facility is failing in critical ways and can no longer fully support the needs of the animals we serve. By attending the bake sale and making a suggested donation, you’re helping us move closer to a new facility that better supports animal health, recovery, and adoption—now and into the future.
To learn more about the new build and our capital campaign, visit:
orphans.news/rebuild?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social... See MoreSee Less
Sweater Weather Adoption Event
2200 Riverwoods Rd, Riverwoods, IL, United States, Illinois 60015 Map
It’s our Sweater Weather Adoption Event!
Because what’s cuter than a pet in a sweater? Answer: bringing one home.
During our Sweater Weather Adoption Event on Saturday, January 31st, our dogs—and a few very brave, sweater-tolerant cats—will be bundled up in their coziest knits and ready to meet their future families!
From classic cable sweaters to delightfully fun fits, these pets will be dressed to impress and even more ready to head home. To make it even better, all dogs and cats 6 months and older will have a $75 adoption fee that day!
This is a warm, feel-good adoption day all about connection, comfort, and giving incredible pets their moment to shine. Come for the sweaters, fall for the personalities, and leave with a new best friend.
To see all of our adoptable pets, head to www.orphansofthestorm.org/adopt... See MoreSee Less
Hawthorn Mall New Volunteer Orientation
Hawthorn Mall
We are always in need of volunteers at our Hawthorn Mall Adoption Showcase! There are so many different opportunities—from welcoming our guests, to handling adoptable dogs and/or cats, to assisting at our merchandise table, where we offer items in exchange for donations. You'll let supporters know that every dollar goes toward supporting the animals here at the shelter!
Come learn all about how you can help at this location!
To sign-up, you just need to create your volunteer account by going here: orphansofthestorm.volunteerhub.com/vv2/.
Once your account is created, you can sign-up by clicking this link: orphansofthestorm.volunteerhub.com/vv2/event/57c068c6-8861-425d-8171-2752f1af25b9
We can't wait to see you!... See MoreSee Less
Volunteer Dog Walker Orientation
Hawthorn Mall
Are you a dog lover looking to make a difference? Become a volunteer dog walker at Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter! We are always in need of dedicated, dog-loving individuals who want to help give our shelter dogs the exercise, enrichment, and love they need while they wait for their forever homes.
No prior experience is needed—just a big heart and a love for dogs! Volunteers must be 18 years of age and older and able to commit to a minimum of 4 hours/month.
RSVP today for our next orientation and take your first step in making a pup’s day brighter!
Date/Time: February 3rd at 7:00 PM
Location: Hawthorn Mall Adoption Showcase (located on the upper level, right next to Macy's)
To sign-up, head to:
orphansofthestorm.volunteerhub.com/vv2/event/d7e09bed-31aa-4bbe-8c2b-bceba2180d43... See MoreSee Less
Puppy Paws and Storytime!
Hawthorn Mall
Celebrate the joy of puppies and the importance of safe, compassionate interactions with animals at Puppy Paws & Storytime Day, a special learning and adoption event featuring adorable puppies waiting for a family to call their own!
From 10:30–11:00 a.m., nationally syndicated pet expert Steve Dale will give a fun and engaging dog-safety talk and read from his beloved children’s book, Ask the Dog. Families will learn how to approach dogs safely and respectfully while enjoying a heartwarming story perfect for kids. Steve will also be signing copies of his book, available for purchase.
Immediately following his presentation, puppies will be unleashed into the space for the first meet-and-greets of the day—so be sure to grab your seat at 10:30 a.m. Space is limited, and this is sure to be a highlight of the event!
Puppy meet-and-greets and adoptions will continue until 3:00 p.m.—so come early, fall in love, and maybe take home your new best friend!
About Steve Dale: Steve Dale, CABC, is one of America’s most trusted and celebrated pet experts. A certified animal behavior consultant, he hosts nationally syndicated radio programs, writes columns for the Chicago Tribune, and appears across major media outlets to promote humane, science-based pet care. He has authored several books and has spent his career educating families and advocating for the wellbeing of animals everywhere.
www.orphansofthestorm.org
*our space is located on the upper level, right next to Macy's... See MoreSee Less
Share the Love Adoption Event with Clover Ridge East
Clover Ridge East Apartments
On Saturday, February 7th from 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM Orphans of the storm will be at Clover Ridge East Apartment Homes for a special event where residents can meet adoptable dogs and cats! Non-residents can also learning more about their apartment community.
Stop by to connect with lovable pets, explore adoption, and celebrate a day centered on home, heart, and second chances!
www.orphansofthestorm.org
www.cloverridgeeastapartments.com/... See MoreSee Less
Whiskers and Wishes
Lincolnshire Marriott ResortTen Marriott DriveLincolnshire, IL60069 Map
Join us for Whiskers and Wishes: 98 Years of Lifesaving, a heartfelt celebration honoring nearly a century of compassion, care, and community on Friday, April 10, from 6-10 p.m. at the Marriott Lincolnshire.
This special gala brings together animal lovers, supporters, and friends to celebrate the lives of over 150,000 cats and dogs who have been touched by our shelter's mission.
Enjoy an evening of inspiring stories, joyful moments, and opportunities to help make wishes come true for pets waiting for their forever homes.
Together, we’ll reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and dream big for the future of lifesaving.
Be among the first to see our new building plans
Savor a 3-course meal & open bar
Enjoy live music & dancing
Bid on one-of-a-kind auction items.
Sponsorships and ticket sales are now open:
events.readysetauction.com/orphansstormanimalshelter/gala2026... See MoreSee Less