Planning is Underway for the New Algonquin / Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry

When the Algonquin / LITH Food Pantry Board of Directors toured the property at 1111 Pyott Road with Lake in the Hills Village Manager Gerald Sagona, they knew instantly that the food pantry had found its new home. Sal Maggio, Facility Manager and Board Member, recognized the fantastic opportunity before him as he scanned the Larsen property. “We realized immediately, the potential value this property held for the food pantry and its clients, but we also saw the future resources the property offered, once the land was restored to its full potential.” Maggio went on to say, “The property has 15 acres alongside the horse farm with a beautiful pond, as well as, an apple orchard and other fruit bearing trees.” 

The future home for the food pantry will be located in the pole barn, which will provide approximately 3500 square feet and, once it is fully refurbished, it will provide a comfortable environment for the volunteers and clients with heating and air-conditioning. It is approximately double the size of the current Oak Street location. “The Village of Lake in the Hills has been very generous to the food pantry over the past eleven years by allowing us to lease the space on Oak Street. This same lease agreement is in effect for the new property located on Pyott Road,” Maggio explained. “We have been very blessed with all the kindness and generosity shown by the Villages of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills. In addition, Jim Steigert – Architect and Space Planner – has donated an inordinate amount of time to the planning and design of our future structure.”

The food pantry was a vision through a collective group of churches in the area. These churches include:  St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Joy Community Presbyterian Church, Algonquin Congregational Church and Christ United Methodist Church. This effort continues to grow and has spread throughout the business community, with support from Home Depot, Lowes, Meijer and Target stores. Russ Ruzanski, Business Relations Chair for the Food Pantry, has been working hard with the other members of his committee to foster these relationships.

The food pantry is looking for businesses and residents to work as partners with the committees already established in order to reach our goal of raising $235,000 for our Building Refurbishing Fund.  If you are interested in joining the team of dedicated volunteers for this campaign, please contact Carol Platt.  Carol Platt and Kathy McCoy have been working diligently as the Food Pantry’s Fund Raising Chairs and have successfully raised $7000 from just two events so far this year.

The Algonquin / Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry’s mission is to provide food to the families in need that reside within the geographic boundaries of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills.

Money for the Food Pantry is raised through corporate partnerships, private donations and special events. Please visit the website to view all upcoming events for the ALG / LITH Food Pantry.

We invite you to learn more about the food pantry, and our Building Refurbishing Fund for the Larsen Property. To make a donation, please visit the website at: www.alith-foodpantry.org or call (847) 854-1904 for more information. 

Please contact Sal Maggio at 847 854-1904 to arrange a tour of the proposed site for the ALG / LITH Food Pantry.