Local girl rallies friends, family to feed less fortunate

As Zoe Steele's 13th birthday approached, she began planning for her bat mitzvah and the community service project she would be expected to complete.

"I volunteered at Northern Illinois Food Bank in the past and loved helping out," explained Zoe. "I wanted to bring the food directly to the people who need it with a mobile food pantry."

Thanks to the generosity of family and friends who donated nearly $2,000 and volunteered on the day of the event, Zoe distributed vegetable soup, potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, meat, and pinto beans to over 111 families benefiting 572 individuals.

"It was fun," says Zoe. "And I also learned how to say 'vegetable soup' in Spanish."

The project was so successful that Zoe is planning for a second mobile food pantry event.

"It was hard work," added Zoe's mom Amanda Littauer. "But very satisfying to be able to interact with the families receiving the food."

Zoe prepared for and celebrated her bat mitzvah through Fox Valley Jewish School, a religious education program for children in preschool through eighth grade. The school begins its fifth year in Geneva this fall, and serves Jewish and interfaith families throughout the Fox River Valley as part of Fox Valley Jewish Neighbors. Additional information can be found at fvjn.org.