FISH grateful to its donors

On behalf of the Downers Grove Area FISH Pantry, I express our sincere appreciation to the residents for the generous quantity of donations collected during the Mail Carriers Food Drive on May 14. With the assistance of members of the Compass Church and the Downers Grove North football team, we were able to coordinate pickup and delivery of over 14,000 pounds of nonperishable food and paper products to the pantry.

That is more than five tons of help for the needy in our local communities. We also are grateful for the public works open house collection on May 20. This year marks 42 years that the FISH pantry has continued to maintain a free food and clothing closet in the Downers Grove Township building at 4340 Prince Street. Open on Monday and Friday from 9 to 11:15 a.m., assistance is provided to approximately 500 people each and every month.

Completely staffed by volunteers, the many contributions from our community have permitted FISH to continue as a nonprofit serving many individuals and families on an emergency basis each month. FISH provides food and clothing, financial assistance for rent or mortgage, and car repair for those who qualify. We have volunteer drivers who provide transportation for medical services, as well as phone volunteers. We also provide eyeglasses to elementary schoolchildren and senior citizens in need. As we continue to endure the current economy, those in need also grow. Your financial assistance allows us to benefit from quantity discounts better than 18 cents on your dollar.

Requests for assistance are received through the telephone voice mail service at (630) 964-7776. As an ecumenical nonprofit organization, FISH attempts to supplement the work of church, philanthropic or government agencies that administer long-range programs.

Laurel Q. Bowen

Vice chairman, Downers Grove Area FISH Pantry