Plainfield Community Food Drive Brings Neighbors Together at Lifespring Church

The Plainfield Community Alliance hosted a successful Plainfield Community Food Drive on Saturday, December 20, at Lifespring Church, bringing together residents, volunteers, and local leaders to support families in need during the holiday season.

The event, sponsored by the Plainfield Community Alliance, focused on collecting and distributing food and essential household items to Plainfield-area residents. A key part of the effort was the participation of the Plainfield Police Department and Plainfield Fire Protection District, whose members helped collect food and non-perishable donations in the lead-up to and during the drive.

“This event really showed what’s possible when the whole community steps up,” said Mohammed Faheem, organizer and founding member with the Plainfield Community Alliance. “When our police officers, firefighters, faith leaders, and volunteers all work together to help collect food for neighbors in need, it reinforces the idea that caring for one another is a shared responsibility.”

Faheem noted that the drive was organized in response to ongoing food insecurity affecting many local families. “Sharing our blessings with our neighbors isn’t just about the holidays,” he said. “It’s about recognizing that need exists year-round and responding with compassion and dignity.”
The food drive was made possible through the leadership and support of Jennifer Plesnicar, Joan Caton, Sandi Corneil, Pastor Fran Leeman, volunteers from Lifespring Church, and numerous community members who donated time and resources.

Joan Caton emphasized the importance of community connection. “This is what it looks like when people come together with open hearts,” Caton said. “Sharing our blessings reminds our neighbors that they are seen, valued, and supported.”

Jennifer Plesnicar echoed that sentiment, pointing to the collective nature of the effort. “No single group could have done this alone,” she said. “It’s powerful to see how much good can happen when everyone contributes what they can.”

Lifespring Church served as the host site for the drive, with Pastor Fran Leeman highlighting the role of faith communities in meeting practical needs. “Our church believes deeply in serving others,” Leeman said. “Opening our doors for this food drive was a simple but meaningful way to live out that mission and support families right here in Plainfield.”

Volunteers from Lifespring Church worked throughout the event to organize, pack, and distribute food, ensuring a welcoming and respectful experience for all attendees.
Organizers said the collaboration between community groups, faith institutions, and public safety departments was essential to the drive’s success and hoped it would serve as a model for future efforts.
“This is what community looks like,” Faheem said. “When we share our blessings, we strengthen the bonds that hold Plainfield together.”

The Plainfield Community Alliance plans to continue hosting service-focused events in the coming year, with a focus on kindness, food security, and neighborhood support.
Please visit www.plainfieldilca.com and join the effort to build a better Plainfield.