Carol Stream Park District partners with community organizations to combat hunger year-round

The Carol Stream Park District is partnering with DuPage County’s food pantry program. By serving as a year-round collection sight, the park district will help fight hunger and food insecurity in the community.

Donations will be distributed to the Carol Stream Outreach Community Center and Wayne Township food banks.

Donations can be dropped off at the following park district facilities during operating hours:

• Fountain View Recreation Center, 910 N. Gary Ave. in Carol Stream

• Simkus Recreation Center, 849 W. Lies Road in Carol Stream

Unexpired goods and nonperishable items needed include:

• Canned or jar pasta sauce;

• Canned tuna or chicken;

• Canned fruit and vegetables;

• Peanut butter;

• Pancake mix and syrup;

• Pasta and rice;

• Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues);

• All-purpose cleaning products;

• Dish soap;

• Hygiene products;

• Diapers (adult and baby) and wipes.

This initiative to keep local food pantries stocked year-round was spearheaded by County Commissioner Greg Schwarze, District 6, after being approached by the Northern Illinois Food Bank regarding the ongoing need.

Collaborating with Schwarze, Carol Stream Park District Executive Director Sue Rini requested the parks department to build special donation boxes designed to stand out as food collection boxes.

“We are committed to supporting our community in every way we can,” said Sue Rini. “This partnership allows us to take action against food insecurity and offer our facilities as accessible collection points for residents who want to help.”

The marketing awareness campaign, “You can make a difference: GIVE FOOD ALL YEAR ROUND,” will include monthly email reminders to customers, social media posts, and a webpage with more information and links to community donation sites and pantries. Recreation staff are also considering incentives to include the food drive in their programming.

Community facilities near Carol Stream that accept donations and also provide food pantry items to those in need are listed below. If you are in need of food pantry assistance, please check the websites or call for days and hours.

• Bloomingdale Township, 123 Rosedale Ave. in Bloomingdale, (630) 529-9993;

• Milton Township, 1492 N. Main St. in Wheaton, (630) 668-1616;

• Wayne Township, 27W031 North Ave. in West Chicago, (630) 231-7140;

• Interfaith Food Pantry, 345 S. President St. in Carol Stream, (630) 665-6426

• Lutheran Church of the Master, 580 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream, (630) 665-5188.;

This ongoing effort demonstrates the power of community partnerships in addressing local challenges and making a lasting impact.

The Carol Stream Park District is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents by providing exceptional parks, facilities, and recreational programs. Our goals are to create welcoming and inclusive environments that foster community connections and promote healthy living.