From the Daily Herald:
A mobile pantry sponsored by the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club met its goal of feeding 200 families Saturday afternoon at Mike Rylko Park in Buffalo Grove. Luckily, no one had to be turned away.
The first 100 cars in line received a hot meal provided by The Continental Restaurant in addition to groceries that included meat, milk, eggs, cereal, potatoes, carrots and other staple food items provided by the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
The food was packed and distributed by 28 volunteers, including 13 club members. Vehicles started lining up at 1:30 p.m., a half-hour before the event began.
By 3:30 p.m., the last box of food was loaded into the last vehicle's trunk.
"While it was a chilly day outside for our volunteers, it was heartwarming to see everyone working together to serve others who are experiencing challenges," said Buffalo Grove Rotary Club President Melanie Santostefano.
Club member Shannon O'Connor initially brought the idea of sponsoring a mobile pantry to the club and took the lead on organizing the event. She thanked the food bank, the restaurant, police and the park district for their parts in making the event possible.
From the Daily Herald article on November 19, 2020: The Buffalo Grove Rotary is making a memorable Thanksgiving possible for dozens of families in need.
On Saturday, 150 families will be able to pick up food baskets packed by Rotary members with essentials canned beans, flour, beans, pasta, rice and sugar. They'll also receive a gift card to purchase meat and other perishable items.
It's part of an effort that began Tuesday when Rotarians loaded up a truck with about $10,000 in food donated by the Garden Fresh Market near Buffalo Grove and Dundee roads.
"We live in a great community, and I just wanted to say thanks to the community for always being there for us," said Golan Mor, president of Garden Fresh Market. "We want to give back, especially now. These are troubling times. It's just such a great honor to really be a part of this community."
On Wednesday, Rotarians got together and began packaging the items into baskets for the 150 previously selected recipients, who will pick them up Saturday. The families are recommended by local school districts.
"Normally, if there were no pandemic, we get together on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and drive these donations to different apartment buildings where these families live and deliver them," said Rotary President Melanie Santostefano. "But this year, we have had to pivot, due to social distancing."
The Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove couldn't do so many great things without the support of our sponsors! Thank you to all of our sponsors for making 2020's Virtual Duck Race a success!
Service Above Self
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
United States of America