Naperville rallies for Day Without Hunger
From submitted reports June 29, 2011 2:08PM
Board member Bill Luna works with volunteer Maggie Moore to organize pictures of some of the people photographed for the Photo-Thon banner during the Day Without Hunger. | Submitted
At a glance
Loaves & Fishes
Where: 1871 High Grove Lane in Naperville
Call: 630-355-3663
On the web: Visit www.loaves-fishes.org
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Updated: October 29, 2011 12:38AM
More than 500 people participated June 18 in the fourth annual Day Without Hunger at Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry.
A highlight of the day was the photo-thon, which took place inside the pantry. Every visitor was photographed, given a souvenir print, and placed their image on a wall display reading, “We all Dream of a Day Without Hunger.” This display eventually will be made into a stained-glass photo mosaic by Ed Hoy’s International for permanent display in the facility.
The DuPage Children’s Museum provided entertainment for the kids. A station appearance by La Ley 107.9, DJ music provided by One2One, and airbrush face painting by Porter’s Quarters rounded out the entertainment. The cookout was staffed by Naperville Evening Kiwanis members, including Bob Elazan.
Pathways to Empowerment partners were on hand all day to meet with visitors and answer questions.
“A woman told me her son was diagnosed with ADHD at his school, and she had been searching for someone to test him to confirm that finding,” said Dr. Scott Mitchell, executive director of Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center. “She called around with no success. I told her we could test her son for free through our collaboration with Loaves & Fishes. This service typically costs about $1,500. She was greatly relieved.”
Other Pathways partners at Day Without Hunger included the Benedictine University Dietetics Department, Community Career Center, Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and Literacy DuPage. Staff and volunteers from the People’s Resource Center in Wheaton and West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge demonstrated the solidarity of local pantries that, like Loaves & Fishes, serve all of DuPage County.
Charles McLimans, executive director of Loaves & Fishes, was happy with the turnout.
“Loaves & Fishes was pleased to have an opportunity to showcase our collaborations at Day Without Hunger,” he said. “This event’s emphasis is consistent with our new focus on strength through collaboration, and on a broader stakeholder base throughout DuPage County and Naperville.”
Sponsors were Belgio’s Catering, Cargill Food Distribution, Casey’s Foods, Costco Wholesale, Ed Hoy’s International, Fair Oaks Ford, Graphics Plus, One2One, PepsiCo, Sam’s Club, Target, The Rental Place, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.
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