Des Plaines Community Foundation donates $15,000 to food pantries

The Des Plaines Community Foundation recently donated $15,000 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 residents' lives. The foundation trustees voted unanimously to donate."

Sandra Hansen, Des Plaines Community Foundation board member and vice president/bank manager at BMO Harris Bank, made a stop at the Self Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines this week, where she presented Debbie Walusiak, executive director, with a $5,000 donation.

"We usually help about 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."

Alderman Dick Sayad, Des Plaines Community Foundation board member, also presented the Elk Grove Township Pantry with a $5,000 donation. The Elk Grove Township Pantry accepted the donation and partnered with Meijer through its "Simply Give" campaign in June.

This meant that the foundation's $5,000 donation was given on a "Double Match Day," which took place at Meijers. The store matched every donation two times, so the $5,000 became a very generous $15,000 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 Lisa Menich, Elk Grove Township director of social services and community outreach.

"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.

Sayad also presented a third check on behalf of the Des Plaines Community Foundation to Laura J. Morask, Maine Township supervisor, in June. The check was a donation of $5,000.

"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."

Supervisor Laura J. Morask and Carol Langan thank Sayad and the foundation for its continued support.

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% volunteer. The foundation is a 501c3 organization and funds are obtained from individuals, businesses and corporate tax-deductible contributions, as well as from other foundations.

For information or to donate, go to www.desplainescommunityfoundation.org or call Rosemary Argus at (847) 525-5566.

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