S. Elgin Lions collecting for food baskets, coat, toy drive

Submitted by South Elgin Lions

With the holiday season fast approaching, the South Elgin Lions need the community’s assistance with their annual Holiday Food Baskets.

For the past two years, the Lions have assisted approximately 225 South Elgin families and distributed approximately 6.75 tons of food, toys each year. Last year, the Lions started collecting used coats as well. This year, the goal is to raise more money and collect more food in order to serve the residents of South Elgin and families in need located in the surrounding communities. All food items and/or cash donations collected will be used for the yearly Holiday Food Basket Project and to support the South Elgin Food Pantry.

The Lions have set up collection sites for nonperishable food items, new or gently used toys and coats at all the local schools and several businesses throughout South Elgin. Drop boxes can be found at the following South Elgin businesses: Dairy Queen, 712 McLean Blvd.; Pizza Cucina, 325 Randall Road; Stanley’s Ale House and Restaurant, 335 S. McLean Blvd.; State Bank of Illinois Spring Street, 1140 W. Spring St.; South Elgin Village Hall, 10 N. Water St.; and South Elgin Parks and Recreation’s Municipal Annex, 1 W. State St.

Beginning on Monday, Dec. 12 and ending on Friday, Dec. 17, the South Elgin Lions Club will be handing out holiday food baskets to all families in need in the South Elgin and surrounding communities. It is recommended that any family requesting assistance should contact the Lions Club at (847) 888-9575 to register in advance as the club cannot guarantee that there will be enough holiday baskets available for walk-ins.

Any leftover food will be donated to the South Elgin Food Pantry. Any leftover toys and coats will be donated to a local organization to be determined at a later date.

For details, contact Lion Linda Scham or Lion Leo Snyder at (224) 629-0180 or (847) 888-9575. The South Elgin Lions Club is located at 500 Fulton St.