Des Plaines Community Foundation supports three local food pantries with $10,000 donation

The Des Plaines Community Foundation recently donated $10,000 to area food pantries. The donations were split between three local food pantries.

According to Rosemary Argus, executive director of the Des Plaines Community Foundation, the need for nutritious foods grows in the summer months after the school year ends, especially for children who normally receive free and reduced lunches at school.

"During these hard times all food pantries are pressed for help," said Argus. "People are struggling in this economy and food pantries are a very necessary and important factor to some resident's lives. The Foundation trustees voted unanimously to donate."

Rich Holke, president of the Des Plaines Community Foundation, made a stop at the Self Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines where he presented Debbie Walusiak, executive director, with a $5,000 donation.

"We usually help approximately 400 Des Plaines households a month," said Walusiak. "We are extremely grateful to be recipients of what the Foundation does for the community. They do very generous work."

Dick Sayad, Des Plaines Community Foundation board member and Des Plaines 4th Ward alderman, presented the Elk Grove Township Pantry with a $2,500 donation.

The Elk Grove Township Pantry accepted the donation and partnered with Meijer through its 'Simply Give' campaign, which runs through Sunday, June 17.

This meant that the Foundation's $2,500 donation was given on a 'Double Match Day' which took place on Friday, June 1. Meijer matched every donation two times, so the $2,500 became a $7,500 donation, benefiting the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry.

The 'Simply Give' donations are issued as Meijer food-only gift cards, and Elk Grove Township can use the gift cards to purchase food and other eligible items to help to stock the Food Pantry.

"This campaign provides the township with an opportunity to purchase the items that are most needed by those we serve," said Mike Sweeney, Elk Grove Township supervisor. "This is all made possible by the generosity of our residents, our local charities like Des Plaines Community Foundation and of course Meijer."

The purpose of the 'Simply Give' campaign is to help local food pantry partners feed the growing number of in-need families in the communities that they serve. This program has generated more than $37 million in food donations for more than 230 food pantries throughout the Midwest.

Alderman Dick Sayad also presented a third check on behalf of the Des Plaines Community Foundation to Laura J. Morask, Maine Township Supervisor. The check was a donation of $2,500.

"The generous donation will be used to purchase much needed food for individuals and families in need," said Morask. "The donation is very much appreciated."

Some of the Des Plaines Community Foundation programs include: Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program Committee; Healthy Community/Healthy Youth Program Committee; Intergenerational Program Committee; and Seasons of Service Program Committee.

The Foundation has no paid employees and is 100-percent volunteer. The Des Plaines Community Foundation is a 501(c) 3 organization and funds are obtained from individuals, businesses and corporate tax-deductible contributions as well as from other foundations.

For tickets to the Foundation's annual Sept. 7 Rivers Casino fundraiser, go to www.DPCharities.org or www.desplainescommunityfoundation.org or call Rosemary Argus at (847) 525-5566. The 2018 Casino Fundraiser will feature the local 7th Heaven band as entertainment.