Local 7th Grader Starts Reverse Advent Calendar Food Drive

A local seventh-grader from St. Raymond's School is leading a special food drive this holiday season. Jack Aliprandi, along with his mom, Lisa Eckert Aliprandi, are inviting friends and neighbors to participate in their Reverse Advent Calendar Food Drive during December.

"A traditional Advent calendar counts down the 24 days until Christmas by revealing a small treat as each day on the calendar is uncovered," Jack noted. "For our Food Drive, we're asking everyone to give a particular item that day so at the end of the event we can deliver a lot of food to people in need."

Residents are simply asked to find a sturdy bag or box and add the items listed on the calendar such as peanut butter, pasta, granola bars and soup. Donations can then be dropped off at the Arlington Heights Knights of Columbus Hall, 15 N. Hickory from 4 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 3 or from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 4.

"I'm very proud of Jack for taking the initiative to get the food drive going," said his mom, Lisa Eckert Aliprandi. "It is very exciting to see people so young taking responsibility to assist those in need."

To participate, residents should register by sending an email to AliprandiFoodDrive@gmail.com. The Aliprandis will send a copy of the Reverse Advent Calendar with instructions on food items to donate.

All items collected will be donated to the Mount Prospect Food Pantry, Northwest Compass and Journeys | The Road Home.

"When things don't always go our way, we can forget to be thankful for what we have, especially during the holidays," said Jack. "I hope that if people join our food drive, they will feel better by helping others and be reminded of how fortunate they are."