A monthlong community food drive organized by the Chicago Ridge Park District delivered more than a ton of food and significant financial support to a local pantry just days before Christmas.
Led by Recreation Supervisor Jen Grabowski, the drive collected 1,520 pounds of nonperishable food along with more than $1,000 in cash donations from community supporters. An additional $200 gift card was donated by Fairplay, officials said.
Collection boxes were placed throughout the community beginning Dec. 1, with local businesses serving as drop-off sites all month long. Participating locations included Jack & Pat’s, the American Legion Hall on Ridgeland Avenue, Fairplay, Worth Village Hall, the Chicago Ridge Public Library, Chicago Ridge Mall, Penny Lane Day Care and High Hopes Day Care.
“This was a true community effort,” Grabowski said. “Local businesses stepped up to help, and residents were incredibly generous throughout the entire month.”
The park district also hosted its annual Commissioner’s Food Drive on Saturday, Dec. 13, serving as a designated drop-off site throughout the morning and adding to the overall total.
Financial contributions came from community supporters, local businesses and organizations, including Flood Brothers, the American Legion Hall on Ridgeland Avenue, Liberty Flag Co. and private donors.
The donations were formally presented Sunday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at Our Lady of the Ridge Church in Chicago Ridge.
Those attending the presentation included Park District Board President Rob Pratl, Commissioners Jamie Albon and Bob Meyer, Grabowski, and Roger and Patty Messler representing the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The Chicago Ridge Park District said it plans to continue the annual food drive tradition, citing strong community support and participation year after year.
