Elgin resident makes a difference for food pantry

You never know which neighbor will need help in times of crisis - or even if you're going to be that person some day.

That's why for the last 10 years Elgin resident Jane Parker has organized a collection of donations at her house to benefit the Hanover Township food pantry on national Make A Difference Day on Saturday.

Her neighbors in the Woodland Meadows East subdivision have contributed in past years, and this year she's spreading the word among the larger community, she said. "I see all the good that they do. It's for our neighbors really, neighbors in need. ... And you never know if it can happen to you."

Drop off is 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Parker's house at 107 Farm Lane. Items needed include food cans, paper goods, toiletries as well as winter gear such as coats and gloves. Doughnuts, coffee and apple cider will be provided.

Parker said she served on a youth commission for the township for 20 years, and started the collection on Make A Difference Day when she worked as secretary for the superintendent of Elgin Area School District U-46 until she retired in 2000.

"We love Jane. She's great," said Tom Kuttenberg, director of community relations for the township. "We have other collections throughout the year but she's the only one on Make A Difference Day that we are aware of."

Kuttenberg said he and Township Supervisor Brian McGuire will be at Parker's house on Saturday to talk to donors and pick up donations.

The food pantry is at 7431 Astor Ave in Hanover Park. It serves township residents including most of Streamwood and portions of Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, and unincorporated Cook County. On average, 850 families from those communities use the pantry each month, Kuttenberg said.

Make A Difference Day, now in its 24th year, is an initiative of USA TODAY. To find other volunteer opportunities, visit makeadifferenceday.com.