Community Generosity Fulfills Wheeling Township 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' Motto

The mission of Wheeling Township is summed up succinctly in its motto, 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors.' On a yearly basis, many services and programs are available to township residents, as well as to seniors, disabled persons, and those experiencing financial challenges. Hundreds of residents give back through donations and volunteerism throughout the year.

"Year after year, we are amazed by the generosity of our residents, and 2019 was no different," said Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. "Wheeling Township citizens give freely of their time, and their compassion toward their neighbors is inspiring. We take care of each other in this township."

Brief summaries of the programs, and other statistics from 2019 are provided below:

Food Pantry: The Food Pantry helped to feed 10,060 people; 2,171 were children under the age of 18. Substantial monthly donations from residents, businesses and organizations, as well as from local schools that held food drives, kept the pantry's shelves stocked.

Home Delivered Meals: The Home Delivered Meals program ensured 11,069 hot, nutritious meals were delivered to homebound seniors and permanently disabled individuals in the township. More than 350 volunteers from the community, along with 25 churches, helped to deliver these meals five days a week, including holidays.

Ready 4 Success: Other programs donors and volunteers helped to make possible included the Ready 4 Success school supply program; 189 backpacks filled with school supplies were donated and distributed to (low income or children in need) children living the township. School supply donations were also made to local schools.

Thanksgiving Food Baskets: The Thanksgiving food basket program provided 295 lower income families with a Thanksgiving dinner, thanks to residents and community groups who donated everything from rolls, stuffing and potatoes, to gift cards, and frozen cheesecakes and turkeys.

Adopt-A-Family: The Adopt-A-Family program assisted 254 families thanks to the generosity of residents, community groups and businesses who fulfilled wish lists of families in need. Each adopted family received wrapped gifts and gift cards as part of their holiday package. Additionally, 121 new children's winter coats were donated. All children who were recipients of the Adopt-A-Family program received donated new books from Arlington Heights Memorial Library and Indian Trails Public Library District.

Supporting Our Troops: The township's annual November donation drive to support the military collected snacks, personal items, financial contributions and cards/letters that were delivered to active military personnel via local nonprofit, Operation Support Our Troops - America. In all, 2,266 pounds of snacks and personal items were donated by residents. More than $2,400 in monetary donations and 1,000 handwritten cards, letters and drawings were also donated.

SHIP: The township's SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) volunteers helped 673 residents sign up for Medicare, file Medicare appeals, and apply for Benefit Access. During the Open Enrollment period, SHIP counselors worked with 416 seniors to help them choose their 2020 Part D drug plans. Through this guidance, seniors will save thousands of dollars on medications.

Wheeling Township is indebted to all the generous individuals, businesses, churches and organizations that are consistently focused on helping neighbors in need.

For information on programs and services offered by the township, call (847) 259-7730 or visit wheelingtownship.com.