Des Plaines Community Foundation Donates $24,000 to Six Local Pantries and Charities
The Des Plaines Community Foundation recently donated $24,000 to area food pantries and charities. The donations were split between six local food pantries and charity organizations.
According to Rosemary Argus, executive director of the Des Plaines Community Foundations, the Des Plaines Community board of trustees voted unanimously at the end of April via email to distribute $24,000 to the needy of Des Plaines.
"We sent $5,000 checks to Debra Walusiak, Self Help Closet & Pantry, Laura Morask, Maine Township Food Pantry and Mike Sweeney, Elk Grove Township Food Pantry, said Argus. "They will be able to use the money to purchase what is needed to stock their shelves. They are experiencing a much greater need."
The Des Plaines Community Foundation has also sent $3,000 checks to Catholic Charities, Bessie's Table and Feed My Sheep, said Rich Holke, president of the DPCF. "These Des Plaines Charities all held weekly dinners for the needy but now, because of the coronavirus, are distributing meals to the poor in Des Plaines."
During this pandemic the need for nutritious foods grows in the summer months after the school year ends, especially for children who normally receive free and reduced lunches at school.
"During these hard times all food pantries are pressed for help," said Argus. "People are struggling in this economy and food pantries are a very necessary and important factor to some resident's lives. The DPCF is happy to help to improve the lives of Des Plaines residents."
Some of the DPCF programs include; Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program Committee; Healthy Community/Healthy Youth Program Committee; Intergenerational Program Committee, and Seasons of Service program Committee.
The Foundation has no paid employees and is 100-percent volunteer. Foundation is a 501c3 organization and funds are obtained from individuals, businesses, and corporate tax-deductible contributions as well as from other foundations.
For more information or to donate go to www.desplainescommunityfoundation.org or call Rosemary Argus at 847-525-5566.