Montini Catholic's Fellowship of Christian Athletes raise $1,000 in virtual food drive
Members of Montini Catholic's Fellowship of Christian Athletes group, under the direction of adviser David Walsh, took part in a Virtual Easter Food Drive sponsored by Loaves and Fishes Community Services.
The charity, whose vision is to end hunger and transform lives, has been alive and thriving since 1984 when it was born out of the desire to help those in need at St. Raphael Church in Naperville.
In 1991, 18 area churches and civic groups came together to organize a pantry as a nonprofit corporation to meet the needs of Naperville, and in 1992 Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry opened its doors. (It was renamed Loaves & Fishes Community Services in 2014.)
Due to restrictions placed on all communities during COVID-19, the pantry has been unable to accept physical food donations and has turned to virtual food drives.
"Our FCA team wanted to find a way to help others during this unique time in history," said Walsh, who continues to reach his student members through daily devotions and prayers posted on social media. The focus on the day of the drive was to be "humble and thankful for the blessing you have."
"We investigated options and decided to participate in the Loaves & Fishes 'Day of Good' (Good Friday) drive. We thought that there was no better time than on this Holy day," Walsh said.
The Montini students put out a video on the school's social media channels last week on Good Friday, asking their Bronco community to get involved. The team succeeded in motivating 30 donors and raised more than $1,000 for the pantry. "This amount definitely buys a lot of the basics - eggs, milk, pasta, etc.," said Walsh. "Not too bad for the first time we've ever tried this!"
In the future, Montini's FCA group hopes to conduct the drive twice a year - on Good Friday and at Thanksgiving.
"We thank everyone who got involved on such short notice! Mostly, the people that these donations will serve are the ones who really appreciate your help!"
To support Loaves & Fishes Community Services, visit www.loaves-fishes.org.