In the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving break, the Family + Community Resource Network (FCRN) held an emergency food drive to assist District 123 families affected by the recent suspension of SNAP benefits. The District 123 community came together to support the distribution of goods to over 70 local families.
There were 87 large boxes of food collected from D123 schools and brought to McGugan for confidential distribution to families. Cash donations from District Office staff and the Board of Education provided for 50, 7-pound turkey breasts.
Volunteers sorted food and packaged large bags over the weekend leading up to the holiday, and on Monday, November 24, 50 families received two large grocery bags full of goods and a turkey breast within the first 2 hours of distribution. Over 20 more families received two large bags of groceries.
“Most families were pleasantly surprised by the amount of food they received; ALL families were very thankful. Many brought their children and each had an opportunity to pick a few extra treats. The smiles were golden. Everyone in the D123 family, students and families, staff, administration and Board of Education should be very proud of the outstanding success of this team effort!” Larry Fetchko, Director, Family + Community Resource Network (FCRN).
The FCRN would like to thank the following community partners for their contributions during the emergency food drive: St. Vincent DePaul (Our Lady of the Ridge) for providing large sturdy grocery bags and advice, St. Paul Lutheran and Park Lawn/Stuffed Love for screening/sorting/packaging advice, Oak Lawn Outlaw Cheerleaders and players for food donations and Oak Lawn Community garden members for volunteering.