Hanover Township to distribute holiday meal boxes Dec. 15-23

Hanover Township will distribute holiday meal boxes beginning Thursday, Dec. 15, through Friday, Dec. 23, at the Astor Avenue Community Center, 7431 Astor Ave., in Hanover Park.

Meal boxes will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Meal boxes will not be distributed Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18.

"Unfortunately, the large, typical holiday meal doesn't fit in the budget for so many in our community," said Brian McGuire, Hanover Township supervisor. "Due to the generosity of numerous donors, volunteers and community groups, the township is able to provide families in need with a meal this holiday season."

Last December, 577 meal boxes were distributed, a 15% increase from the previous year.

Residents are asked to preregister by visiting the community center and will need to display a valid ID or utility bill to be eligible to receive a meal box. Only one meal box per household.

Each meal box contains a frozen turkey or ham, canned fruits and vegetables, coffee, dessert, gravy mix, potatoes and stuffing mix.

This year's holiday meal box sponsors include St. John the Evangelist in Streamwood, the Bartlett Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus Mary's Millennium Council #12801, the Bartlett Lions Club and the Streamwood Women's Club.

To make a donation for the meal box distribution or for information, call Hanover Township Human Services at (630) 540-9085.