If you are planning to mail a check by the end of the year, please note that the U.S. Postal Service has updated its rules, and machine postmarks will now be applied when mail is processed at regional processing centers (not at the local drop off point). To ensure your check is postmarked in time to be eligible for a 2025 charitable deduction, we recommend requesting a manual postmark in person at a post office or using certified/registered mail. Click here for more details on giving dates and deadlines.
Gwen Thomas is a manager of payroll and benefits at The Chicago Community Trust.
In her role, she is responsible for managing benefits, employee engagement and the Trust’s wellness program. Gwen joined the Trust after working as a vocational instructor for the State of IL at the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education – Roosevelt (ICRE-R) for over two years, teaching students with cognitive and physical disabilities. Gwen also brings over 15+ years of HR experience from The Ounce of Prevention Fund, which recently changed their name to Start Early in Human Resources (12+ years) and other for-profit HR consultant jobs.
Gwen is a native of Chicago and grew up in the Woodlawn community. She holds a bachelor’s in human resources management and her paraprofessional license in education.
