On December 8, the Chicago Young Professionals Network (YPN) volunteered with Bin Donated, a residential and commercial donation pick-up service that collects and provides donated items to existing charities. We counted, sorted, and packaged toys for the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Toy Drive.

This was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of. We sorted 2,333 toys for deserving children in the Chicagoland area.

I can’t explain how proud I felt to be a REALTOR® and to be part of such an amazing group of young professionals. This was my third opportunity to volunteer with the Chicago YPN, and it always gives me goose bumps to watch my fellow young professionals truly band together for the common goal of making a difference.

It amazes me how much you can learn about someone on a personal level when you give back to your community. It also makes me very grateful for how fortunate I am this time of year. It breaks my heart to think there are so many families who cannot afford to give their children a proper Christmas. I was so thrilled to learn about Bin Donated and the fantastic things they do for the community.

Please check out the Illinois YPN Facebook page to see pictures from the YPN Holiday Give Back Week where REALTOR® networks from across the state gave back to their communities in a variety of ways.

I am so inspired by all of these wonderful YPN networks and how as a community of young real estate professionals we were able to donate our time and resources to make a difference. To learn more about the Illinois Young Professionals Network or to join, visit www.illinoisrealtor.org/ypn.

Happy Holidays!

Deena Zimmerman is a Senior Associate at Jameson Commercial Real Estate in Chicago. She serves as 2012 Chair for the Illinois Young Professionals Network.