A long-standing tradition of service took on new meaning this holiday season as the Palos Park Woman’s Club rallied its members to support students at Moraine Valley Community College.
Moraine Valley Community College’s Project Care Food Pantry, located on the college’s main campus in Palos Hills, was selected as the primary beneficiary for the Palos Park Woman’s Club’s holiday gathering on Dec. 5, underscoring Moraine Valley’s partnership with local community organizations.
Jessica Contreras, director of counseling and holistic student support at Moraine Valley, said the partnership grew out of an initial phone call from Susan O’Keefe and quickly revealed the depth of generosity among Palos Park Woman’s Club members, with donations already piling up by the time she attended the holiday event.
Project Care Food Pantry expanded in 2024 and has since experienced a steady increase in student use, college officials said. The pantry provides food, hygiene products and other essentials to students facing food insecurity.
Contreras and Moraine Valley President Dr. Pamela J. Haney addressed attendees during the holiday event, highlighting the pantry’s growing role in supporting students and bridging gaps for those in need.
The club’s generosity continued days later, when Palos Park Woman’s Club members visited the pantry on Dec. 8 to deliver more than 800 donated items along with cash contributions. Among those attending were co-presidents Ann Oliver and Ronette Leal McCarthy, Treasurer Traci Dawodu and Susan O’Keefe, a club member and Moraine Valley adjunct faculty member.
They were welcomed by Haney, Contreras, Dean of Student Engagement Dr. Scott Friedman and student Ava Barba.
Donations included nonperishable food staples, baking and cooking supplies, breakfast items, hygiene and personal care products, clothing and household essentials.
“With over 800 items collected, this is a testament to not only their dedication, but to the power of community in action,” Contreras said. “Their generosity truly reflects the meaning of community and shows our students that they are supported and valued.”
College and club leaders said the partnership is just beginning, with conversations already underway about future collaborations aimed at continuing support for Moraine Valley students.