High School students help support Elk Grove Township's greater mission
Elk Grove Township provides a variety of services to township residents experiencing financial hardships through their food pantry and emergency assistance, in addition to transportation for seniors and the disabled, youth and family counseling services, and more. Each year there are also seasonal giving opportunities for area community members to give back to those less fortunate.
In December, students from Rolling Meadows and Elk Grove high schools competed in Cereal Bowl V, an effort to collect the most cereal box donations and be declared the Cereal Bowl winner. Elk Grove High School was victorious this year, and together the two schools collected a record number of 2,592 boxes of cereal for the township food pantry.
"Thank you to all the students, teachers, administrators and respective communities for supporting this effort that helps our residents who are experiencing food insecurity and need our food pantry," said Township Supervisor George Busse. "Everyone should be very proud of this accomplishment."
Other seasonal township efforts:
• Back-to-School Supply Drive: Area residents can donate school supplies for District 59 students whose families are challenged financially. In 2021, 2,838 school supplies were collected by the township through generous donations.
• Snow Angels: The township sponsors this donation drive during the winter season, in partnership with District 59, to collect snow boots, coats and snow pants that help low-income parents who have difficulty affording new snow gear since children grow so quickly.
• "Souper" Bowl: Nearly 600 cans of soup were donated to the food pantry last year.
• Thanksgiving Basket program: Last year 261 holiday meals were provided to in-need families. Donated baskets are filled with nonperishable food items, along with a grocery store gift card to purchase a turkey or meat of choice.
• Christmas Gift Card program: In 2021 the program provided holiday cheer for 55 children and senior adults. Gift card donations from community members help give parents who cannot otherwise afford it the joy of choosing gifts on their children's wish lists, as well as the giving of gift cards to senior citizens in need.
Elk Grove Township would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all area residents who help to fulfill the township's mission, and who remain focused on empowering our neighbors in need.
For information on any of the services and how you can help, call (847) 437-0300 or email ga@elkgrovetownship.com.