Palatine Township Launches Pilot Program to Assist Residents with Fuel, Groceries
This article has been updated to correct the township office phone number.
Palatine Township has launched a pilot program in response to rising inflation impacting the area's most in-need populations. The temporary program, Donors Empowering Area Residents (DEAR), aims to alleviate the impact of increasing fuel and food prices. DEAR will continue through this fall and end on Oct. 31, 2022.
Through the program, qualified residents received a $25 gift card at their 30-day food pantry appointment. This can be used to purchase additional food or household items or purchase gas. The distributed cards have been donated to the Palatine Township Needy Family Fund at no cost to taxpayers. From the initial launch date in April through mid-August, more than $49,600 in gift card assistance was issued through Food Pantry visits and Easter Basket distribution.
Recipients of the cards have said the cards have been a significant help and brought great relief to their families, as well as a wonderful surprise as they worked to make ends meet.
The Needy Family Fund now is seeking to partner with individuals, businesses, corporations and nonprofits to continue to build the program through donations or matching gifts.
“We believe building partnerships like this for the sake of lifting up others through this program will create outstanding opportunities to help our entire community,” said Andy-John G. Kalkounos, Palatine Township supervisor. “We are coming together to help each other.”
To partner with or support the program, contact Palatine Township at (847) 358-6700.
Donated cards should be purchased in $25 increments from gas stations or grocery stores or similar retailers. To donate via credit card, visit the township's website and click the donor tab. Checks for the program can be made payable to Palatine Township Needy Family Fund and mailed to Palatine Township, 721 S. Quentin Road, Suite 101, Palatine, IL 60067.
Those needing assistance can contact the township at (847) 358-6700 or email Reach@palatinetownship-il.gov.
Palatine Township provides numerous services and events for its 113,000 residents and supports 29 social service agencies located within its boundaries. The township is one of the most heavily populated in Illinois, with a goal of enhancing and improving the quality of life for all residents. The following communities are part of the township: Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Inverness, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Barrington, South Barrington and Schaumburg.