Lake County government employees collect food for Northern Illinois Food Bank

More than 25 Lake County government employees volunteered their time Thursday for a food collection event in Waukegan.

The county courthouse's parking garage served as the drive-through collection point, with donors staying safely in their cars. Volunteers donned masks and gloves as they collected and sorted the nonperishable items.

Kasey Morgan, assistant director of judicial operations/public information officer for the county's 19th Judicial Circuit, said that with schools closed and many people out of work, some of the county's most vulnerable residents are in need of support.

"Many local food drives have been canceled due to the pandemic, and Lake County elected officials and employees understand this. It is a time of uncertainty and can be even more difficult for residents who are experiencing food insecurity," Morgan said.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank in Park City will receive Thursday's donations. The staff and volunteers will inspect, sort and distribute the food to network partners, including food pantries, churches and community organizations.

Other collections are also being planned. Morgan said those who were unable to attend Thursday's event can still support the food bank by visiting solvehungertoday.org.