DPCF Donates $10,000 to Three Local Food Pantries

The Des Plaines Community Foundation recently donated $10,000 to area food pantries. The donations were split between three local food pantries.

According to Rosemary Argus, executive director of the Des Plaines Community Foundations, the need for nutritious foods grows in the summer months after the school year ends, especially for children who normally receive free and reduced lunches at school.

“During these hard times all food pantries are pressed for help,” said Argus. “People are struggling in this economy and food pantries are a very necessary and important factor to some resident’s lives. The Foundation Trustees voted unanimously to donate.”

Rich Holke, president of the DPCF made a stop at the Self Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines where he presented Debbie Walusiak, executive director, with a $5,000 donation.

“We usually help 400 residents a month,” said Walusiak. “We are extremely grateful to be recipients of what the Foundation does for the community. They do very generous work.”

Dick Sayad, DPCF board member and Des Plaines 4th Ward Alderman, presented the Elk Grove Township Pantry with a $2,500 donation.

The Elk Grove Township Pantry accepted the donation and partnered with Meijer through its 'Simply Give' campaign, which runs through Sunday, June 17, 2018.

This meant that the Foundation’s $2,500 donation was given on a 'Double Match Day' which took place on Friday, June 1st. Meijer matched every donation two times, so the $2,500 became a $7,500 donation, benefiting the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry.

The ‘Simply Give’ donations are issued as Meijer food-only gift cards, and Elk Grove Township can use the gift cards to purchase food and other eligible items to help to stock the Food Pantry.

"This campaign provides the Township with an opportunity to purchase the items that are most needed by those we serve," said Mike Sweeney, Elk Grove Township supervisor. "This is all made possible by the generosity of our residents, our local charities like DPCF and of course Meijer."

The purpose of the ‘Simply Give’ campaign is to help local food pantry partners feed the growing number of in-need families in the communities that they serve. This program has generated more than $37 million in food donations for more than 230 food pantries throughout the Midwest.

Alderman Dick Sayad also presented a third check on behalf of the DPCF to Laura J. Morask, Maine Township Supervisor. The check was a donation of $2,500.

“The generous donation will be used to purchase much needed food for individuals and families in need,” said Morask. “The donation is very much appreciated,”

Some of the DPCF programs include; Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program Committee; Healthy Community/Healthy Youth Program Committee; Intergenerational Program Committee, and Seasons of Service program Committee.

The Foundation has no paid employees and is 100-percent volunteer. Foundation is a 501c3 organization and funds are obtained from individuals, businesses, and corporate tax-deductable contributions as well as from other foundations.

For tickets to the annual September 7th Rivers Casino fundraiser go to www.DPCharties.org or www.desplainescommunityfoundation.org or call Rosemary Argus at 847-525-5566. The 2018 Casino Fundraiser will feature the local 7th Heaven band as entertainment.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

PHOTO 1: Rich Holke DPCF board president presented Debra Walusiak of the Self Help Pantry and Closet and Pantry with a $5,000 donation.

PHOTO 2: Dick Sayad presented a check for $2,500 to benefit the Maine Township Emergency Food Pantry. Supervisor Laura J. Morask and Carol Langan thank Sayad and the Foundation for its continued support.

PHOTO 3: Dick Sayad presented the Elk Grove Township Pantry with a $2,500 donation which Meijer matched two times for a total of $7,500 on a 'Double Match Day' which took place on Friday, June 1, 2018. (L to R) Lisa Menich, Elk Grove Township Director of General Assistance and Community Outreach; Dick Sayad, Des Plaines Community Partnership Foundation Board Trustee and Des Plaines Alderman; Ruslana Dzhala, Meijer Customer Service Lines Leader; and Paul Pioch, Elk Grove Township Administrator.