Mt. Prospect Lions make community donations

Every Sunday for 20 weeks each year from June through October, the Mount Prospect Lions coordinate and staff the downtown farmers market in the west Metra train station commuter parking lot at the corner of Route 83 Elmhurst Road and Northwest Highway.

The club has been running the market for 14 years. More than 40 vendors participate each week and some 2,000 people stop by on any given Sunday to shop for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads, other baked goods, and arts and crafts. Charitable groups are given free space.

"For many folks, the Mount Prospect Lions Club Farmers Market is a regular destination on Sunday mornings," said Fred Steinmiller, Mount Prospect Lions Club first vice president and farmers market coordinator. "While this year's market just ended several weeks ago, the most rewarding part of volunteering as a Mount Prospect Lions Club member is only beginning. Now, the club gets to donate the money we raised through the market."

Steinmiller said that in 2014 major contributions from market proceeds will be made to the following organizations: Mount Prospect Human Services Department (to stock the food pantry and help support the holiday food basket program); Saint Mark Backpack Ministry (to provide weekend food for families in need); Saint Raymond Special Education Program (for the resources needed for special education students); Woodfield Area Children's Organization (to provide Christmas gifts for needy children); and local churches that will receive Jewel Foods gift cards for members of their congregations who are struggling this holiday season.

"The generous monetary donation we receive from the Lions Club reaches many households in Mount Prospect each year," said Julie Kane, the village's human services director. "The Lions Club donation makes it possible for us to provide gift certificates and helps to keep our pantry stocked with needed items throughout the year."

For information about the club, visit www.mtprospectlions.com.