Food Drive to benefit Schaumburg Township Food Pantry

The Hoffman Estates Jaycees will host a canned food drive in front of Valli Produce, 850 N. Roselle Road, Hoffman Estates on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, to take part in Make A Difference Day.

During the event, Jaycee members asked shoppers to purchase a nonperishable item and donate as they exit the store. The Jaycees will drop off all the donations to the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry. Through Make A Difference Day, the Hoffman Estates Jaycees join hundreds of other organizations around the country that are engaging their community in service.

"The Hoffman Estates Jaycees have participated in Make a Difference Day since we organized in 2001," said Evan Long, Hoffman Estates Jaycees president. "The project empowers residents to make a difference in their community with a simple gesture."

Anyone interested in volunteering at the event can email the Jaycees at Hoffmanestatesjaycees@gmail.com.

Schaumburg Township Food Pantry serves individual and families from the community with food insecurities. The pantry serves as a supplemental food source for those receiving limited financial food assistance, families experiencing financial hardships due to increased medical expenses, or individuals experiencing unemployment and underemployment. In addition, referrals are offered to assist these families and individuals to once again achieve self sufficiency.

Make A Difference Day is one of the largest national day of community service. Celebrated on the fourth Saturday of October, thousands of volunteers unite in a common mission to improve the lives of others. For over two decades, Points of Light has partnered with media to mobilize and celebrate the power of people to make a difference.

The Jaycees provide individuals between the age of 21 and 40 the opportunity to network and develop personal and leadership skills while serving their community. Jaycee members take initiative to solve local challenges and are focused on sustainable impact, locally and globally. For information, email contact@hoffmanestatesjaycees.org or visit www.hoffmanestatesjaycees.org.

The Hoffman Estates chapter is always looking for new members interested in professional and personal growth and community involvement. The Hoffman Estates Jaycees meets at 7 p.m., on the third Wednesday of each month, at the Hoffman Estates Village Hall Training Room, 1900 Hassell Road.