Wheeling Township impacted thousands throughout 2024

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” defines Wheeling Township’s mission; to deliver vital services and much-in-demand assistance to its residents in need, as it has done since 1850. The township provides a range of programs that serve seniors, persons with disabilities, and services to residents experiencing financial or personal challenges. For residents looking for ways to help, the township provides opportunities to give back through volunteerism and financial support of programs and services that benefit the community. Over the last year, individuals and groups throughout the community supported the delivery of services in many ways, and the township is extremely grateful for these generous and selfless contributions.

“The residents of Wheeling Township never cease to amaze me with their incredible generosity and kindness,” said Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. “Donations of Thanksgiving baskets overflowing with food, cheerily wrapped presents for families over the holidays, and awesome donations of food were amazing and inspiring. We look after each other in this township.”

Different ways residents received assistance throughout 2024, or gave back to those in need, included:

1. Food Pantry: There were 6,211 visits to the Food Pantry last year, of which 13,366 people were served (3,030 were children under 18; 5,607 were seniors over 60). There were substantial monthly donations from private citizens, businesses, houses of worship and other organizations. Local businesses, schools, organizations and community groups also helped to stock the pantry shelves by hosting food drives.

2. Home Delivered Meals: 11,221 nutritious hot and cold meals were delivered to homebound seniors. The efforts and dedication of the many volunteers, in addition to 25 local churches who delivered the fresh meals, five days a week (even on holidays) ensured seniors were nourished and had interactions with those wanting to support them.

3. 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.

4. Thanksgiving Food Baskets: 357 Thanksgiving food baskets were donated for lower income families, which fed 1,341 people (582 were children under the age of 18). Families were able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal due to residents and community groups who donated baskets overflowing with everything from rolls and stuffing to potatoes and dessert. Each basket included a gift card for the family to purchase meat for their holiday meal.

5. Adopt-A-Family: 189 families (1,341 total people; 495 were children under the age of 18) were served through the annual holiday gift program. Gift wish lists were fulfilled by generous community donors. Each family received wrapped gifts and donated food cards as part of their holiday package, in addition to new hats, gloves, scarves or lap blankets. These items were donated by local organizations or handmade by creatively talented residents. Additionally, children were given a craft kit donated by the Prospect Heights Library, and Arlington Heights Memorial Library employees donated new books to program recipients.

6. Operation Support Our Troops: 2,405 pounds of candy, snacks, personal hygiene items and socks, and more than 2,000 beautiful handmade cards or handwritten letters were delivered to active military members serving our country around the world. Residents donated these items, in addition to $4,000 in monetary contributions collected to help support mailing costs for the care packages.

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

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