'Timing is perfect' for Hoffman Estates food drive

Small groups of volunteers stood outside both entrances to the Valli Produce store in Hoffman Estates, cheering for peanut butter and pasta, spaghetti sauce and soup, and any other donations shoppers handed over.

“We're on a mission. We want to fill all those carts up with food,” said Hoffman Estates Jaycees member Meridith Schue of Schaumburg, pointing to a line of about 20 grocery carts alongside the store. “We've had a lot of people donate money already so I think we're going to be able to buy a few more carts of food, too.”

Members of the Hoffman Estates Jaycees staked out the grocery store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, seeking food for the Schaumburg Township food pantry. Their ninth annual food drive was part of the 20th annual national day of good deeds called Make a Difference Day.

Although the food drive began during light rain, Denise Schinberg, Hoffman Estates Jaycees local director, said volunteers had filled at least five carts with food by noon.

“I think the rain has brought out a lot of people, actually, because people tend to do their shopping,” Schinberg said.

Shoppers bought and then donated items including jelly, beans and boxed cookies. Tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste and soap were also on the Jaycees' list of products the Schaumburg Township food pantry needs. Hoffman Estates resident Sherry Heldt's contribution was three boxes of cereal.

“One day I might need it. One day, anyone might need it,” Heldt said. “So I don't mind donating today.”

Schinberg said the Jaycees made special arrangements with the food pantry, which normally is not open Saturdays, to drop off donated food immediately after the food drive.

Anna Klimkowicz, an assistant in the Schaumburg Township welfare services department who helps with the food pantry, said the Hoffman Estates Jaycees annual food drive happens before schools and other charitable organizations get geared up for Thanksgiving food drives or holiday food drives. She said donated items will restock the shelves of the pantry, which serves about 350 households a month.

“They come in with a huge, huge amount of food so it's absolutely great,” Klimkowicz said. “The timing is perfect.”