Funding for Holiday Program Down While Demand is Up

The Mount Prospect Human Services Department is in full gear preparing for its Holiday Gift programs. The program is in place to assist needy families during the holidays to make the season a little brighter for those going through a difficult time.

This year, however, the challenge seems especially great. While the food pantry was helped immensely by a food drive held by the Mount Prospect Fire Department this October, cash funding for assistance programs is dramatically down while demand for the programs is up in a big way.

“We use cash donations to provide families with gift cards to purchase perishable foods for their holiday celebrations. Monetary donations are also used to help families with utility bills, rental assistance, mortgage payments, medication and doctor bills,” said Nancy Morgan, Director of Human Services.

In years past, the Village sponsored the Star Program which provided families with gift cards so they could shop for their own children's Christmas gifts.

“Unfortunately, we had to cancel that program this year due to the low funds available. Families really appreciated being able to choose their children's gifts because Mom and Dad really know what their children want,” said Morgan.

Donations can be sent to the Mount Prospect Human Services Department, 50 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056. Checks can be made payable to the Mount Prospect Emergency Food Pantry.

For more information on the Holiday Assistance Programs, please call 847/870-5680.