Food pantry seeks funds for holiday meal boxes

Supply is not keeping up with demand this year at Open Arms Mission, leaving organizers scrambling this holiday season.

After running out of food last year, the Antioch food pantry has more than doubled its order of food boxes this year to distribute to area residents.

"Every year the needs of families increase and we encourage our community to follow our motto, 'neighbors helping neighbors'," said food pantry director Scott Keenan.

This year the pantry, which serves Antioch and Lake Villa Township families, purchased 450 Thanksgiving meals for area families, up 150 from last year.

Keenan said the Holiday Meal Box will provide enough food to feed a family of eight and includes a 12-14 pound turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce and a dessert.

What the pantry is looking for is a donation of $25.

"These are your neighbors in need," Keenan said. "We are helping to feed about 250 families weekly at the food pantry. We know the number of families we serve increases during the holidays, so we are counting on our friends in the Antioch, Lindenhurst and Lake Villa area to help us meet the need."

Open Arms Mission will hold a Thanksgiving meal at multiple homeless shelters throughout Lake County and a dinner that will be open to the public at Antioch Senior Center.

To make a donation, send a check to Open Arms Mission, PO Box 79, Antioch, IL 60002.