Stevenson School Steps Up to Help Maine Township Food Pantry

Elementary school students, parents and staff from Stevenson School in unincorporated Maine Township stepped up to raise money and supplies for the Maine Township Food Pantry and then hand delivered their support with a costume parade to Town Hall on Halloween. Their route was secured through the Maine Township Office of Emergency Management and the weather cooperated with a beautiful and touching afternoon for all involved.

“Having enough emergency supplies for the Food Pantry is important this time of year,” Supervisor Laura J. Morask said. “No family should ever have to go hungry but especially over Thanksgiving which celebrates community and cooperation in America.”

Supplies are abnormally low at the Food Pantry and Maine Township is asking residents to contribute any way they can. Food is donated by individuals, businesses and local organizations such as churches, schools and Scout programs who hold food drives to keep the Food Pantry stocked throughout the year.

“There are many ways to get involved with this effort,” Food Pantry Director Carol Langan confirmed during the event. “You can bring food or monetary donations to Town Hall as well as contribute through many different outlets located in the township.”

Currently, the Jewel-Osco on Busse Highway in Park Ridge is offering its customers an easy but generous opportunity to contribute during check-out at the register. Customers have the fun option to hear “Gobble-Gobble” over the house speakers when they elect to purchase a Thanksgiving meal for six people by making a $50 donation that is just added to their total grocery bill.

The following wish list of items is being requested by staff at Town Hall: macaroni and cheese, cereal, juice, canned tuna, plain rice, crackers, peanut butter, pancake mix, canned pasta, condiments (ketchup/mayonnaise/mustard/pickles), cooking supplies (flour/sugar/oil/salt/pepper), cleaning supplies (laundry soap/dish soap), paper products (toilet paper/paper towels/facial tissue), storage products (tin foil/plastic wrap) and personal hygiene product (shampoo/toothpaste/bath soap).

The food pantry is open daily for Maine Township residents. Visit Town Hall at 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge, or the website at www.mainetown.com to explore all the resources and services available to residents.

Caption #1:

Howard Sussman, Principal, Stevenson School, left to right, along with Stevenson School staff Ram Ramakrishnan, Claudia Rodriguez, Bianca Hernandez-Vallejo, present Maine Township Food Pantry Director Carol Langan, middle, with a generous monetary donation.

Caption #2:

Stevenson School elementary children help, Michael Samaan, Maine Township Maintenance Director, fill up the shelves with new grocery supplies during a Halloween costume parade at Town Hall.

Caption #3:

Maine Township Administrator, Dayna Berman and staff offer treats to Stevenson School elementary children during their Halloween costume parade at Town Hall.