Illinois Times invites area non-profit organizations to tell our readers
what your special needs are this holiday season.
To participate, send us a description of your organization and a summary of
your holiday wish list. Fax the information to 217-753-3958 or e-mail editor@illinoistimes.com
This feature appears weekly through the end of the year. Prior “Lend a hand”
columns are posted on our Web site, www.illinoistimes.com
Central Illinois Foodbank
2000 E. Moffat Ave., Springfield 62704
217-522-4022
The Central Illinois Foodbank was established over 20 years ago to help fight hunger and poverty in central Illinois. Each year, the Foodbank distributes nearly five million pounds of donated food to more than 220 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential feeding programs and after-school programs in 21 central Illinois counties. In addition, the Foodbank operates Kids Cafes, an after-school program that provides nutritious meals and carry-home groceries to children and families in need.
The Foodbank’s wish list includes: non-perishable food items (canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, ready to make meals, cereal, juice and peanut butter), paper products (toilet tissue and paper towels), personal care items (shampoo and soap), children’s games. Donations can be dropped at the Foodbank between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Episcopal Food Pantry
611 E. Jackson St., Springfield 62701
217-523-0036
Three participating Springfield Episcopal Congregations –Christ, St. Luke’s and St. Paul’s — pool their efforts to operate a volunteer-staffed pantry. The program served 17,893 needy individuals in the year ended Sept. 30.
The pantry accepts financial contributions, as well as packaged and canned food staples, such as chili, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, pork and beans, soups, cereal, crackers, canned fruit and vegetables, peanut butter, and tuna.
First Presbyterian Church
Spirited Presbyterian Action-Minded Youth
321 S. 7th St., Springfield 62701
217-528-4311
The church’s S.P.A.M. Youth group has adopted a family from the Department of Human Services. The family consists of a grandmother in poor health and four grandchildren (two boys, ages 3 and 7; two girls, ages 5 and 10) who were adopted after their mother was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The grandmother is unable to work.
The youth group is collecting educational and age-appropriate games and toys,
clothing, winter wear (hats, gloves, boots, etc.), school supplies, sheets,
and blankets. To arrange a donation, contact Audrey Johnson at 528-4311 ext.
209. Donations can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
This article appears in Dec 4-10, 2003.
