Wheeling Township thanks community for helping neighbors in need

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” is Wheeling Township’s official tagline, but the phrase also describes something that happens consistently due to generous residents, businesses, houses of worship and others who donate their time, talents, and other resources to help those less fortunate. The many programs available through the township reach a significant part of the greater community — whether it be senior citizens, those with disabilities, individuals or families experiencing financial challenges, and others.

In addition to services that help those in need, the township also has many opportunities for residents to give back through donations and volunteerism.

“I am in awe of our residents’ never-ending generosity,” said township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. “Their incredible donations of Thanksgiving baskets over the holidays that were stuffed with food, cheerily wrapped presents for families and overwhelming food donations for our Food Pantry are amazing and inspiring. It’s very clear to me that we look after each other in this township.”

Some of the many ways residents received assistance in 2023, or provided help to those in need, included:

• Food Pantry: There were 5,722 visits to the Food Pantry, which fed 12,130 — 2,866 of which were children under the age of 18. The township is grateful for generous monthly donations from private citizens, businesses, houses of worship and other organizations. In addition, many businesses, schools and community groups held food drives throughout the year to help stock the Food Pantry shelves to ensure no one who needed it was turned away due to a lack of food.

• Home Delivered Meals Program: There were 12,555 nutritious hot and cold meals delivered to homebound seniors. The efforts and dedication of the many volunteers, as well as 25 local churches involved in the delivery of the fresh meals took place five days a week, even on holidays. We truly appreciate their dedication and it is an integral reason that this program continues to thrive and brighten the days of seniors through visits from volunteers.

• Giving Garden: Residents with “green thumbs” donated hundreds of pounds of fresh vegetables during the summer season to supplement shelf-stable products in the food pantry. This generous effort allows residents in need to benefit from fresh produce that is not normally provided in abundance.

• Thanksgiving Baskets: Residents and community groups donated 250 Thanksgiving food baskets that benefited lower income families. This program fed 906 people for the holiday — 414 of which were children under the age of 18. Baskets were overflowing with everything from rolls and stuffing to potatoes and dessert. Each basket that was distributed included a gift card.

• Adopt-A-Family Program: The township’s annual holiday gift program served 147 families, which included 399 children under the age of 18. Thanks to the community’s generosity, all wish lists were fulfilled. Each family received wrapped gifts and donated food cards as part of their holiday package, as well as being offered new hats, gloves and scarves donated by local organizations and several very talented individuals who knitted them. Additionally, children were offered a craft kit from the Prospect Heights Library, and new books, which were donated by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library employees.

• Operation Support Our Troops: As part of the township’s annual Operation Support Our Troops donation drive, residents donated an incredible 2,122 pounds of candy, snacks, personal hygiene items and socks, and more than 1,000 beautiful handmade cards or handwritten letters. Additionally, $5,255 in monetary contributions were collected to help support the organization’s care package mailing costs.

If you are a resident of Wheeling Township and would like more information on programs or services — or to obtain assistance for yourself — call Wheeling Township at (847) 259-7730.

Through its dedication to provide services to residents, whether by helping them maintain their independence, sustain their health, or offering critical assistance during times of need, Wheeling Township continues to make a significant difference in the community — as it has since 1850.

For information, visit wheelingtownship.com.