Forest & Found Donates to Food Bank

Forest & Found, the charitable thrift store located in Lake Forest, has donated $25,000 to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

"We're over the moon to support the food bank this quarter, despite a few setbacks.We were challenged with both street construction and flooding this summer on North Western Avenue. That we were able to rebuild is a strong affirmation of our importance in the community," said Rosemary Troxel, Forest & Found board member.

This donation represents Forest and Found's continuing support to the work of local charities. The mission of the Northern Illinois Food Bank is to solve hunger in the community, especially during these tough times when so many families are struggling.

Founded in 2014, Forest & Found is a social partnership for donating, shopping and reuse of clothing, household items and seasonal décor. The shop donates its profits to local charities. It strives to do so on a quarterly basis.

Forest & Found opened in 2014 during a winter of heavy snowfall in an out-of-the-way storefront on North Western Avenue in Lake Forest. Since then, it has become an anchor for the strip of shops and a destination for giving and shopping.

"Right now, the shop is dressed for the holidays. We're chock full of ornaments, festive decorations for your home and lots of cozy clothing," said Diana Durkes, founder and president of Forest & Found. "None of this would be possible without the generosity and participation of donors, shoppers and amazing volunteers," she added.

Forest & Found is located at 1363 N. Western Ave in Lake Forest.

Find the nonprofit store online at www. forestandfound.com, and see featured store products at @forestnfound on Instagram.