Volunteers help with donations at the food and accessories drive. | Facebook
Volunteers help with donations at the food and accessories drive. | Facebook
State Rep. Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) thanked those who donated food and winter items to his drive, which benefitted several local charitable organizations.
"Thank you to all who stopped by our Winter Food & Accessory Drive on Saturday,” he wrote on Facebook. “We were able to drop these items off at the New Hope Community Food Pantry Chicago, the Salvation Army, and Leyden Food Pantry. This was a great display of our communities’ generosity!"
Stephens had announced the drive in a press release, saying "We know as we break out our hats, gloves, space heaters, and heavy blankets what we need to prepare for the intensity of Chicago winters. With this winter predicted to be snowier, it’s imperative we turn to those who are in need and help them get the necessary supplies to stay warm and safe during these upcoming winter months. I encourage all 20th District residents who can this holiday season to give back to our community and help our neighbors in need with food or clothing insecurity.”
Stephens had asked for donations of non-perishable food items such as cereal, crackers, pasta, juice, and peanut butter, according to the release. He also collected new winter clothing items, including hats, scarves, socks, and gloves. Stephens cited 2020 data from National Alliance to End Homelessness, which found that more than 800 people in Cook County experience homelessness on a given night. He also cited data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which said that this winter will be wetter than usual for Illinois, meaning the state could see more snow.
WIFR 23 reported U.S. Cellular, a mobile network operator, donated $2,500 to the Northern Illinois Food Bank on Tuesday.
New Hope Community Food Pantry (NHCFP) is a volunteer-run organization that has been operating since 2004, providing food, clothing, and household items to local families in need, according to its website. NHCFP also offers services such as blood pressure screenings and assistance with signing up for SNAP.
To see a list of food pantries in Illinois, visit FoodPantries.org, an independent food pantry locator website.
The Leyden Community Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) organization located in Franklin Park that offers food and other items to local residents in need.
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