For the 12th consecutive year, the employees of Auto and Home Insurance Agency, Inc., in Downers Grove will open their wallets to benefit children of domestic violence at the South Suburban Family Shelter in Homewood. The agency’s 35 employees will shop for Christmas gifts for 59 children receiving services through this domestic violence agency.

Since beginning this annual giving project in 1996, the employees of Auto and Home have “adopted” an estimated 825 children for Christmas.

“It is up to us to care for those in our community that are in need,” said Skip Schrayer, agency president. “These children deserve to experience joy and goodwill — especially during this time of year.”

Carol Gsell, counseling services coordinator at South Suburban Family Shelter, said the organization is thankful for the generosity of the employees at Auto and Home.

“Being able to distribute gifts to children in the midst of a very difficult family life is so important to the wellbeing of these children,” Gsell said. “Their excitement about receiving these gifts brings joy to their homes during this holiday season.”

Auto and Home Insurance Agency currently is the largest privately owned personal lines insurance agency in Illinois, serving more than 17,000 clients throughout the United States. For more information about the agency, visit www.autoandhome.cc/about.aspx.