How to help July 4 parade's Shopping Cart Brigade

The Precision Shopping Cart Brigade will again perform during Glen Ellyn's Fourth of July Parade as brigade members collect nonperishable food donations for the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry.

The brigade coordinates maneuvers so the Glen Ellyn audience will be entertained as well as participate in giving donations of groceries and cash as the group marches past.

With the purpose of raising awareness about hunger in its community, the Brigade is organized by OneChurch, a partnership of several Glen Ellyn churches joining together in mission, service and ministry.

Participating this year are Grace Lutheran, St. Mark's Episcopal and St. Petronille's Catholic. The Glen Ellyn Food Pantry, sponsored by 16 Glen Ellyn churches, is a nonprofit organization supporting families and individuals in Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, Wheaton, Lombard and Lisle.

The shopping cart brigade steps off with the Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Parade at noon Monday on Main Street. There are many opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in the brigade. Activities include:

• Serving as volunteer coordinator for your church;

• Distributing fliers to homes along the parade route with a friendly request for donations;

• Placing an "Adopt-a-Lawn-Sign" along the parade route;

• Decorating shopping carts prior to the parade;

• Marching with the brigade during the parade;

• Shuttling donations from the brigade carts to the support truck during the parade;

• Driving a support vehicle;

• Unloading donations into the food pantry after the parade;

• Bringing nonperishable food items to the parade;

• Asking friends and neighbors to bring a donation;

• Praying for good weather.

For information or to volunteer, contact Dominic LoGalbo at glenellynshoppingcartbrigade@gmail.com.