Des Plaines foundation gives $24,000 to food pantries

The Des Plaines Community Foundation recently donated $24,000 to area food pantries and local charities for the new year. The donations were split between six local food pantries and charity organizations.

According to Rosemary Argus, executive director of the Des Plaines Community Foundation, the foundation's board of trustees voted unanimously to distribute $24,000 to the needy of Des Plaines.

"We sent $5,000 checks to Debra Walusiak, Self Help Closet & Pantry; Carol Langan, Maine Township Food Pantry; and George Busse, 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 Des Plaines Community Foundation.

"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," Holke said.

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 Holke. "People are struggling in this economy, and food pantries are very necessary and an important factor to some residents' lives. The Des Plaines Community Foundation is happy to help to improve the lives of Des Plaines residents."

According to Langan, director at the Maine Township Food Pantry, the donation is very much appreciated.

"We are averaging about 170 residents a month coming to get food from our pantry," Langan said. "That number does fluctuate, but that was what we provided during this holiday season."

Some of the Des Plaines Community Foundation 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 all volunteer. The foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and funds are obtained from individuals, businesses and corporate tax-deductible contributions, as well as from other foundations.

For information or to donate, visit www.desplainescommunityfoundation.org or call Rosemary Argus at (847) 525-5566.