Countryside Steps Up Big to Help Maine Township Food Pantry

Maine Township's Pantry Receives Assistance Year Round from Many Sources

The need to help hungry people and especially families never stops, says Carol A. Teschky, Supervisor of Maine Township. One of the main duties of a Township Supervisor as determined back in 1850 when townships were established in this area by Thomas Jefferson and the Federal Government was to help those in need.

Often referred to as General Assistance, the help comes in many forms. Sometimes it's getting a break on energy bills or finding a job. It can be emergency funds to tie someone over for a few days in emergency situations. But, one of the ongoing operations which helps consistently is, in this case, Maine Township's Food Pantry.

Under the Supervisor, the food pantry and General Assistance Department give help to those with demonstrated need. A box of food from time to time goes a long way to helping a family or individual deal with tough times and work their way back to being self-reliant again.

To keep the food pantry going, it takes ongoing donations of food and money from individuals, church and civic groups and recently a neighborhood saloon.

Over the past four years, Countryside Saloon in unincorporated Des Plaines, has generously ran raffles during football season to raise money for the Maine Township Emergency Food Pantry. This year was an outstanding effort with $6,232 raised.

Here, l to r, at the March 21 check presentation is Owner Janet Bar, Township Supervisor Teschky, Pantry Coordinator Carol Langan and Joyce Solvig of the Countryside staff.

"Many thanks to all those who support the food pantry and a special debt of gratitude goes to the patrons, owners and staff at Countryside," Teschky says.

For further information on the food pantry, call 847-297-2510 or visit www.mainetownship.com.