South Elgin Lions need donations for food baskets

Donations are coming in slower than requests for the South Elgin Lions holiday food basket program. The group is asking for food, money, winter coats or toys to distribute to families in need in South Elgin and Elgin Area School District U-46.

Leo Snyder, first vice governor of the district and a former president of the South Elgin club, took over the basket program three years ago. He said he wanted to fill a void left by the South Elgin Chamber of Commerce when it closed. Last year he raised $8,000 and gave almost 7 tons of food to families and local food pantries. This year he worries each family will get less food.

“It’s very slow on the donation side from money coming in from businesses,” Snyder said.

Two years ago Snyder said he raised $7,000 but this year he isn’t even close to that.

Any leftover money or food after baskets are picked up goes back into the community. Nothing stays with the Lions Club.

Lions Club members will package the baskets so people can pick them up Dec. 12 through 17. Snyder expects to feed about 200 families, and he would like to give them enough food to last a week.

Toys for Tots has helped in providing toys for kids in the families picking up baskets. Donated jackets also will be handed out to those who need them.

“We are trying to accomplish everything we can,” Snyder said. “The program is getting bigger and bigger every year. I don’t want to stop. Too many people need it.”

Anyone interested in donating should send checks or cash to South Elgin Lions, Attn: Leo Snyder, 500 Fulton Ave., South Elgin, 60177. For details, call Snyder at (224) 629-0180.