Hunger Resource Network launches Students Helping Students campaign

Hunger exists in every community in America and Northbrook is no exception.

There are more than 500 students in the Northbrook public schools who are on the free or reduced lunch program and are food insecure.

Hunger Resource Network, a Northbrook-based nonprofit organization, is currently serving over half these students across the 12 public elementary and middle schools through its Student Food Pack program.

Local high school students have decided to help these Northbrook students in a special way this fall. Their goal is to collect prepared bags of personal care items for them.

A team of high school students will be hosting a “Students Helping Students” event at Cabo Mexican Cocina, 3147 Dundee Road, Northbrook on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“As a longtime member of the Northbrook community, I believe it’s our responsibility to take care of each other, especially our kids,” said Nick Drivas, owner of Northbrook’s Grill House (to drop-off completed and or fill bags) and Cabo Mexican Cocina (to fill bags).

“Knowing that so many local students face food insecurity is heartbreaking, and I’m honored that Grill House and Cabo can play a part in helping,” he added.

“Partnering with these incredible high school students and the Hunger Resource Network shows what’s possible when we come together. This isn’t just about meals. It’s about giving hope, dignity, and support to families right here at home.”

The students have a few simple requests for those who would like to help:

• Purchase the list of personal care items found on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram; please follow the contents and packaging guidelines. Total cost is approximately $35.

• As a fun alternative, bring a $35 donation to Cabo Mexican Cocina and you can build a bag with them. And you’ll receive the $50 worth of gift cards mentioned above if you’re among the first 100.

• From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., be among the first 100 people to either bring your completed bag to Cabo Mexican Cocina or Grill House or donate at least $35 and receive $50 worth of gift cards, $25 for Cabo Mexican Cocina and $25 for Grill House (redeemable anytime after Oct. 13).

• Help spread the word to reach the goal of 250 bags.

If you are not able to join us but would still like to help, simply go to our website and click on the Donate button to contribute $35 for each bag. Please indicate it is a personal care bag donation.

Look for posts on the Hunger Resource Network and Grill House/Cabo Mexican Cocina Facebook and Instagram pages and join us on Sunday, Oct. 12

Hunger Resource Network is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to working in partnership with corporations and individuals who share a commitment to feed the hungry. Its mission is to aid in the alleviation of hunger by helping meet the needs of food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.

Twice each year, it hosts “Poultry to Pantries Day” when a total of 240,000 pounds of frozen chicken is distributed to approximately 100 organizations providing food to those in need throughout the Chicago area, including Cook, DuPage, Lake and Kane counties.

Established in 1996, HRN has dozens of businesses, foundations, local organizations, and individuals all known as “Hunger Heroes” who are benefactors.

For additional information or to volunteer, contact Hunger Resource Network at (847) 272-1700 or visit the website, hungerresourcenetwork.org.