“In times of uncertainty such as this, we seen the best of Beverly/Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood and others emerge,” wrote Karen Overstreet, Executive Director of the Maple/Morgan Park Community Food Pantry. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for all who have asked, ‘How can I help?’ during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to Overstreet, the best way to help is by making a monetary donation.
On Wed., May 6, 12 to 4 p.m., there will be a safe, contact-free drop–off event for donations of non-perishable food items and donations of check or cash in sealed envelopes in the pantry parking lot, Morgan Park United Methodist Church, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., on the west side of the building off 110th Place.
The pantry is in desperate need of hot and cold cereals, bottled water, canned tuna, canned chicken, canned salmon, condiments, bottled juice, wrapped frozen packaged meats, bar soap, dish detergent, facial tissue, pancake mix, corn muffin mix, spaghetti and pastas, Stove Top dressing, macaroni and cheese, disposable face masks, latex gloves (medium and large), hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, diapers and hygiene items. Other canned foods are not needed at this time. (Food regulations require that non-perishable food items must be sealed, unopened and unused.)
Monetary donations enable the pantry to purchase a large number of food items from the Greater Chicago Food Depository and local vendors at bulk rates and without paying sales tax.
At this time, 1,500 of our most vulnerable neighbors are being served by the pantry and the lines of pantry patrons is overflowing. Many area pantries have closed, but our neighborhood pantry will remain open. The pantry is open for food distribution in the parking lot on Tuesdays and Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m.
During this challenging time, they committed to the safety of the volunteers as well as the neighbors who receive food assistance.
While donations of non-perishable food items are appreciated and accepted, monetary donations maximize the effectiveness of helping neighbors in need.
It takes just $20 to provide a full emergency meal for a family in need in the 60643 or 60655 zip codes.
Gifts are accepted in any amount and monthly recurring gifts are very much appreciated. Send checks to Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago IL 60643.
The Maple/Morgan Park Community Food Pantry was founded in 1983.
“For 37+ years, our community always rises to every challenge, and this COVID-19 pandemic is no exception,” Overstreet wrote. “Our community knows how to get really hard things done. Rest assured, every day I am passionately driven by our cause, ‘Feeding the hungry amongst us.’”
For more information on the pantry and how you can help, call 773-239-3013.
