Pictured: Natalie Kaylor, Daena Cruz and Sophie Johnston

More than 175 people from the Lindenhurst/Lake Villa area participated in the Gingerbread Houses of Hope event on Dec. 2 to raise money for One Hope United.

Pictured: Eric Moeller

With holiday music in the background, children, parents and grandparents used buckets of icing to attach sugary decorations to their masterpieces. The gingerbread houses ranged from simple to highly ornate.

This family-friendly event was the idea of the children of One Hope United board member Scott Moeller.

“This is the third year for this wonderful event that supports children and families in need this holiday season.  It started as an expansion from a family tradition,” explained Moeller.  “With many parents out of work and struggling to make ends meet, or perhaps even being homeless, the economy has made it especially difficult on families. Our family thought this would be a fun way to continue helping children in need.”

Pictured: Natalie Kaylor and Jenna Mandel

Girl Scout Troop #40266 co-hosted the event that raised more than $1,800 with all proceeds benefiting One Hope United.  Troop leader Julie Hayes said, “Our girls really enjoyed this service project and thought it was a fun way to kick off the holiday season.  We can hardly wait till next year’s event!”

Walgreens and Lovin Oven Bakery also supported this holiday community event.

Pictured: Brooke Busky, Emma Hockstein and Amanda Hayes