Freedom Food Drive Returns for 4th of July Parade Collection

Two years after the completion of his Eagle Scout Project, Freedom Food Drive, Hersey senior, Spencer Burkhalter, looks to fulfill his desire of creating a long-lasting impact on his community by running another 4th of July food collection to stock the shelves of the Wheeling Township Food Pantry.

In the summer of 2017, Freedom Food Drive collected over 2,000 items boosting food pantry donations during the slow summer months.

"Although it was a lot of work, I was very proud of the efforts of everyone in the greater Arlington Heights area that came together to help the food pantry."

Burkhalter understands that families in the area continue to rely on the food pantry. The summer months can be difficult for families as children who may get free lunches at school are now home during the day. The food pantry provides service to over 400 families a month and historically summer can be a slow donation period.

"After a big success in 2017, I know that we can collect even more food for the food pantry this summer. In fact, I would like this to become an Arlington Heights 4th of July parade tradition" says Burkhalter.

Bring a bag of donations and look for the Wheeling Township Truck in the Arlington Heights 4th of July Parade. Boy Scout Troop 166 volunteers will be pushing shopping carts and picking up donations. If you can't make the parade then be sure to bring donations to the Wheeling Township Food Pantry at 1616 N. Arlington Heights Road.