Good Neighbors Network Provides Gifts and Combats Food Insecurities for families over the holiday break

Good Neighbors Network, a nonprofit organization in Arlington Heights was busy this holiday season. The organization, which started as a grassroots group of neighbors in the early days of the pandemic, has continued to increase support year over year for its holiday programs to provide for local communities while continuing our original mission to provide food to those in need.

One program provided gift cards to School District 214 Newcomer Center each year, typically 50-60 students. This year the population of the Newcomers Center exploded to 144 students, most arriving from Ukraine and Venezuela. The local community stepped up in a big way and donated $3,600 to make this holiday season a little better for these teenagers finding their way in a new country away from friends and family.

The organization also partnered with Community Consolidated School District 59, Community Consolidated School District 21, and School District 214 to provide wrapped Holiday Gifts to over 76 families (310 individuals). The last gifts were delivered on Dec. 22 to local families in need.

While Good Neighbors is proud that we could make the holidays special for so many families, our greatest accomplishment is providing food and snacks for 67 families experiencing food insecurities in CCSD59. This winter break is a long one for the students (and their families) that rely on the two meals they receive, five days a week at school. Our program supplements these families during this time to remove some of the pressure and help them have a more enjoyable holiday.

For more information visit: www.goodneighborsnetwork.org

Good Neighbors Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides assistance to under-resourced neighbors. We connect helpers with those in need. We inspire and empower all community members to participate in initiatives to help local families with school supplies, household goods, scholarships (1st generation students), and holiday/birthday party gift pantries.