Wheeling Township Serves Needs Throughout the Community

Wheeling Township's motto, "Neighbors Helping Neighbors," is more than just a saying; it's a mission that is fulfilled on a yearly basis through an abundance of services and programs available to residents. In addition to helping seniors, persons with disabilities, and residents experiencing financial challenges, Wheeling Township also has many opportunities for residents to give back through donations and volunteerism.

"Year after year, I am in awe of our residents' never-ending generosity," said Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. "Their incredible donations of Thanksgiving baskets stuffed with food, beautifully wrapped toys and gifts for the Adopt-A-Family program, and year-round Food Pantry donations are both amazing and inspiring. All of these generous efforts show that we care about each other in this Township."

Some of the ways that residents received assistance in 2022, or provided help to those in need, included:

Food Pantry: The Pantry was visited 4,491 times, and fed 9,160 people (1,947 were children under 18). The Township is grateful for substantial monthly donations from private citizens, businesses and organizations that make this service possible. Many businesses, churches and community groups also held food drives throughout the year that benefited the Food Pantry.

Home Delivered Meals: There were 13,563 nutritious meals delivered to homebound seniors and permanently disabled individuals. The efforts and dedication of the many volunteers and 25 churches involved in the delivery of the fresh meals, five days a week - including on holidays - is sincerely appreciated.

Giving Garden: Residents with "green thumbs" donated hundreds of pounds of fresh vegetables during the summer season to supplement shelf-stable products in the Food Pantry.

Thanksgiving Food Baskets: As part of this annual holiday giving program, 383 Thanksgiving food baskets were provided to lower income families, which fed 1,208 people (545 were children under the age of 18). Residents and community groups donated baskets overflowing with everything from rolls and stuffing to potatoes and dessert. Each basket distributed also included a gift card.

Adopt-A-Family: This annual holiday gift program served 234 families (587 were children under the age of 18), and thanks to the generosity of Township residents, community groups and businesses, the wish lists of those families were fulfilled. Each family received wrapped gifts and donated food cards as part of their holiday package, as well as new hats, gloves and scarves donated by local organizations and individuals. Additionally, all the children served were offered new books, graciously donated by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

Military: Generous donors gave 2,000 pounds of candy, snacks, personal hygiene items and socks, along with more than 1,000 beautiful handmade cards or hand-written letters as part of the Township's Operation Support Our Troops annual donation drive. Additionally, $4,965 was donated to the organization by generous individuals and groups to support the cost of mailing care packages to our military personnel.

Community members who are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, or how to become a donor to continue to serve the needs of the Township community can call the Township at (847) 259-7730.

Wheeling Township is indebted to its many residents who compassionately focused on helping their neighbors last year. By providing beneficial services to residents in need, and to those wishing to maintain their independence, Wheeling Township continues to make a significant difference in the community - as it has since 1850. For additional information about programs and services offered by the Township, visit www.wheelingtownship.com.