Arlington Heights teen hosts Reverse Advent Calendar Food Drive
Jack Aliprandi, an Arlington Heights teenager, wants to be sure that his friends and neighbors keep those less fortunate in mind this holiday season.
For Aliprandi, a freshman at Saint Viator High School, staying focused on helping those in need is becoming an important, but welcome, routine.
In 2019, Aliprandi, then a seventh-grader at St. Raymond's School in Mount Prospect, launched a Reverse Advent Calendar Food Drive. Playing off the traditional countdown calendar for Christmas, his unique twist has a calendar in which a different food item is added to a collection bag each day for an eventual donation to local food pantries.
For 2021, Aliprandi is calling on everyone to once again assist, noting that the need may be greater than ever.
"Local food pantries are low on inventory because more families are in need this year," he said. "The reverse calendar is a fun way for the whole family to get involved and make a difference."
The third annual Aliprandi Family Reverse Advent Calendar Food Drive will culminate with donation drop-offs on Jan. 12 and 13, 2022. This year's donations will support the Mount Prospect Food Pantry, Northwest Compass and Journeys | The Road Home.
"The calendar lists different items like peanut butter, tomato soup, granola bars or instant potatoes," said Jack's mom, Lisa Eckert Aliprandi. "We have a website with all of the information to make the process easy to be a part of."
That site is www.aliprandifamilyfooddrive.com/ and includes information, the food list and even an option to purchase gift cards, which will be used to purchase additional food for the drive.
"I've really liked creating and running this event the last few years," Jack said. "I know people get busy, but it seems like those who participate really enjoy helping others in this fun way. I hope to increase our donations again this year."
Food will be collected at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 15 N. Hickory in Arlington Heights, from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 12 and 13.
To be a part of this community event, visit www.aliprandifamilyfooddrive.com.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.