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Community Corner

Niles Township Food Pantry Distributes Holiday Cheer

During the Niles Township Food Pantry's Holiday Party hundreds of needy families received food, gifts, and schools supplies.

It was the first day of winter break for many students, but hundreds of families woke up early for the 's Annual Holiday Party on Monday. A line of people snaked around the pantry building and into the parking lot across the street waiting from the doors to open at 9:30 a.m.

Children were welcomed into the warm and inviting party in the nearby Niles Township government building, while their parents received their holiday food rations in the Annex building, the Niles Township Food Pantry's (NTFP) new home. 

Within minutes, the two large rooms were packed with people eager to partake in the holiday activities. Guests enjoyed hot chocolate, juice, candy, and fresh homemade goodies provided by volunteers and Niles Township staff members.  Children were invited to listen to holiday stories read by  Ronnie Rund. Children were also able to choose books to take home, make holiday themed crafts, and replenish their school supplies.

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The highlight of the event was the gifts. Hundreds of toys, games, stuffed animals, gift cards, were collected, wrapped, and distributed by members of the newly formed Friends of the Niles Township Food Pantry group

There was something for the adults as well, thanks to generous donations from the Evanston Bible Fellowship Church, Integrated Facilities Solutions, Inc., PACTT Learning Center, Dickerson Engineering Inc., and VMI Mechanical Systems.

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Volunteers of all ages helped make the event a success by directing patrons to the different activities, passing out turkeys and other food, candy, presents, and school supplies, and simply offering smiles and holiday greetings.

Representative Lou Lang and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky both came to the holiday party to lend a hand and to take photos with volunteers.  Upon seeing the gifts for older children run out, Schakowsky immediatly drove to a nearby store to purchase baseballs, basketballs, footballs, and gift cards to donate to the pantry.

Two notable young volunteers, Jason Plotnik and Ryan Helgemo, chose the NTFP as the beneficiary for their tzedekah (Hebrew word for charity).  Ryan's mother Ruth explained, "The tzedekah is a mitzvah project, a service project with the bar mitzvah."  Plotnik and Helgemo each collected numerous toys, games, and books for needy children. Instead of simply dropping off the toys at the pantry these boys and their families wrapped approximately 250 presents and distributed them at the holiday party. Both families were delighted to follow the project all the way through to the end.

Plotnik said, "I saw some people that I knew here. I was surprised. You can't tell by looking at them."  

This led to a lively discussion about the food pantry clients being normal, regular people.  All it would take is a lost job or a medical emergency to turn the tables on anyone's situation.  Given the downturn in the economy, it is no wonder that .

Holiday party volunteer and member of the Friends of the NTFP, Diane Raucci gushed, "I enjoyed being here today. The kids were so appreciative. Seeing the kids happy and thankful puts a smile on my face." 

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