Her birthday gift keeps on giving

Ana Rose Hebein's birthdays are anything but ordinary.

Instead of cake, candles and presents, she enlists dozens of volunteers and the resources of the Northern Illinois Food Bank to feed hundreds of needy families.

Friday marked the fourth consecutive year in which Hebein and her classmates raised enough money to sponsor a Northern Illinois Food Bank mobile pantry, with 10,000 pounds of food in tow.

Hundreds of hungry community members waited for their number to be called in the St. Bede's Catholic School gymnasium in Ingleside. As they selected items off a long line of tables, many expressed gratitude and sincere thanks to volunteers.

The majority of this year's turnout normally visits Open Arms food pantry of Antioch. Jean Herman, holding a tall basket full of groceries, is one of many Open Arms clients who was genuinely impressed by Hebein's generosity.

"It is hard to put into words how much this means to people," said Herman. "It is remarkable what she has been able to accomplish at such a young age."

It all started when Hebein's mother, Jacqui, who works for the food bank, brought Ana Rose to work one day in 2006. Her daughter left wondering how she too could contribute to the fight against hunger.

Since then she has raised $650 each year to sponsor a mobile pantry. Through sponsorships with Grant Township, Lake Villa Township and the collaboration of several local food pantries, more than 1,000 families have been fed so far.

"Four years ago I wanted to know if there was something else we could do to help these people," said Ana Rose. "We now know that you really can make a difference in the world and these people are really grateful."

Last year she received more than 100 handmade cards from thankful community members. Over 30 of her best friends, parents and fellow parishioners join together to unload and distribute hundreds of boxes of food.

"Ana Rose's birthday keeps getting better every year," said classmate Alex Moyer of Lake Villa. "Getting together with good friends to help our community is awesome."