Homewood Sisters' Sweet Tradition Of Hot Cocoa Stand Back For Its 22nd Year

HOMEWOOD, IL — Two sisters whose mother helped them start a hot chocolate stand when they were just kids will continue to keep the toasty tradition alive for its 22nd year, with proceeds to benefit Toys for Tots.

The stand began when they were just 4 and 2 years old. Kayla and Mara Winfrey, now 26 and 24 years old respectively, hope to build on the success of prior years, funding the purchase of carts full of toys for donation to Toys for Tots. Last year's event raised $9,500, Mara Winfrey told Patch.

Now both grown and living in Chicago, Mara is a tax consultant at Deloitte and Kayla is a Benefits Account Manager at Lockton Co.

They return to their childhood home each year for the event so many say they would never miss.

Not much has changed since their first stand in 2003; the girls were bundled up and smiling behind a table then, and they're still the face of the operation nowadays. Their first ask was 25 cents a cup. Now they're open to whatever people are willing to donate—no minimum donation—with hopes of purchasing as many toys as possible.

Over the years, their brainchild has raised $50,000, Mara Winfrey told Patch. The sisters take the money raised, and swoop into Target the next day. They buy as many toys as possible, usually a dozen or more carts full.

The tradition has stuck in people's minds, and hearts.

"Not only do we have a lot of our old teachers and community members coming, but people who have heard about it on Facebook, who we’ve never met before make a point of coming," Mara Winfrey previously told Patch. "... we have people asking us in October what day it’s going to be."

The sisters make it an event—a fire burns in the driveway for gathering. Visitors can stop in, or sit and stay, Winfrey said.

"We never could have imagined that something that started as a simple driveway stand run by a 4- and 2-year-old would have grown into what it is today," Mara Winfrey said. "We feel incredibly blessed not only to support such a meaningful cause, but to also have a community that supported, and grown, this tradition right alongside us.

"It’s truly become a special event each year where neighbors come together, kick off the holiday season, and experience the joy of giving back. It wouldn’t be Christmas without it for us!"

This year's event is set for Friday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Winfrey house, 1323 Hillview Rd., in Homewood. For those who can't make it, donations are also accepted via Venmo at @winfreyhotchocolate, Zelle at (708)359-0514, or Paypal at @winfreycocoa. Find out more about the sisters and their stand on their website.