Grafton Food Pantry now on the web

The Grafton Food Pantry has set up a website that will make it easier for supporters of the organization to donate and for those in need to locate.

Harriet Ford, a food pantry board member, said although an online presence was not the food pantry's priority, graftonfoodpantry.org will enhance the organization's visibility in the community.

“We want to let people know that we are out there and let as many people as possible know about the services we provide,” Ford said. “We are funded solely by donations, or the occasional grant, so we're hopeful that this will make it easier for people to donate. We are pleased with it and hope that it will evolve into a useful community tool.”

Information such as pantry hours, drop-off times and locations, and how to donate can all be found on the website.

The website's online donation link should be functioning in the next few days. It will allow supporters to make a monetary donation through PayPal using a credit card.

The website began as an online project for Chrissy Hoover. The 34-year-old Huntley resident, who moved to the area last summer, is completing a business management degree from Eastern Michigan University. Hoover said she plans to keep the site updated with the latest information and news.

“If you tried to Google the food pantry, it was hard to find accurate information, or information at all,” Hoover said. “The purpose is to get information out there to people who are unfamiliar with the food pantry, or to those who want to donate or volunteer.”

There are a number of ways for people to donate: individual donations, monthly donors and tribute gifts. For every dollar donated, the food pantry is able to purchase $4 worth of items from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the website states. The pantry also accepts nonfood items such as gas cards, paper goods, household cleaning supplies and personal grooming items.

The nonprofit organization, at 12191B Smith Drive, Huntley, is not affiliated with Grafton Township.