Elk Grove Township’s holiday programs spread joy to over 1,200 families
Elk Grove Township annual holiday giving programs served more than 1,200 township families this year.
This was a significant increase over last year and was made possible due to the exceptional generosity of township residents, businesses and organizations, as well as the dedicated effort of township staff members. Programs of special mention include the Thanksgiving baskets, Senior Angel Tree, and Holiday Gift Card Drive for children.
In November, the food pantry partnered with the township’s social services department to host the annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive.
Nearly 900 families received baskets filled with holiday meal fixings, such as turkey, stuffing, vegetables and more. Township residents donated a record $14,000 in support of the drive and Forest Packaging generously provided packaging material to create the “baskets.”
The Senior Angel Tree program brought joy to more than 250 low-income seniors over the holiday season. Senior participants provided the township with their personal holiday gift wishes. The wishes ranged from air fryers and cozy pajamas, to special items such as “The Best of Simon and Garfunkel” paired with a CD player. The wishes were then hung on an Angel Tree in the township lobby where residents, businesses or local organizations could pick up one or more of the requests to fulfill for a senior. The community support for the program was so great that the township ran out of wishes well before the program was to end.
The Holiday Gift Card Drive provided low-income parents with gift cards that they could use to buy presents for their children. The drive ensured that nearly 200 young children received gifts from Santa.
This approach not only gave financially challenged parents the dignity of choosing gifts for their children, but also gave program sponsors the satisfaction of knowing they played an important part in making the holidays a little brighter for a family in need.
“The generosity of the Township community never ceases to amaze us,” said Township Supervisor George Busse. “Through these important holiday programs, we can make the holidays a little more cheerful for neighbors who are experiencing some difficulty. It’s an excellent example of how we at the township are constantly striving to fulfill our mission to empower people through community.”
Looking ahead, the township invites residents to continue to support the food pantry during the winter months through two upcoming initiatives.
The annual “SouperBowl” canned soup collection runs through Feb. 9, with donations accepted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the township offices, 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village.
In March, the township will launch “MacMadness,” which asks for donations of macaroni and cheeses and other dry pasta goods. Donations can be accepted during the township’s regular business hours (listed above).
Elk Grove Township Trustee David Perns noted that, “With the food pantry currently serving more than 1,100 families every month, any donation is both needed and greatly appreciated.”
For more information on the Elk Grove Township programs and events, visit elkgrovetownship.com.