The West Aurora School District has contributed significantly to the annual Aurora Holiday Food Drive by packaging over 250 boxes of food to support families in need this Thanksgiving. The initiative, part of a broader community effort, aims to provide complete Thanksgiving dinners to those facing food insecurity.
As part of the drive, members of the West Aurora teachers association and office professionals worked diligently to create boxes filled with essential items. Each box contained traditional side dishes such as green bean casserole, stuffing, corn, cranberries, and brownies, complementing the 900 turkeys secured by the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry.
Stacy Krisch, an office professional at Greenman Elementary School, shared insights about their contribution, noting, “Each building focused on one item. We packaged more than 250 bags of food.” This collaborative effort among the schools highlights the community’s commitment to ensuring a festive Thanksgiving for all.
Community Mobilizes to Address Increased Need
The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry faced challenges due to budget cuts, which limited the number of side dishes it could provide. Katie Arko, director of the pantry, expressed gratitude for the support, stating that various organizations, including local churches, played a vital role in collecting additional items. The faith community, led by seven different churches, gathered approximately 150 boxes of side dishes, with the West Aurora educators contributing significantly to the overall effort.
According to Heather Short, the pantry’s development and communications director, the contribution from the West Aurora School District was described as “wonderful news” and an “incredible donation.” While these contributions specifically address the Thanksgiving holiday, they reflect the ongoing mission of the Holiday Food Drive, now in its 18th year. The drive aims to replenish the pantry’s shelves throughout the year, often comprising various individual efforts under the larger umbrella of the drive.
The Holiday Food Drive runs until November 26, 2023, the day before Thanksgiving. The pantry currently serves over 1,500 families weekly, with demand typically increasing during the holiday season. In addition to food donations, the pantry is also seeking volunteers to assist with delivery services, which have seen an uptick as more families require assistance.
How to Participate in the Holiday Food Drive
Individuals wishing to support the Holiday Food Drive can purchase $5, $10, or $15 bags of groceries at participating grocery stores. Locations include Prisco’s Family Market, Cermak Fresh Market, and Food Market La Chiquita. Donations can also be made online through the pantry’s website at www.aurorafoodpantry.org/holidayfooddrive/.
This initiative is supported by various local businesses and individuals, including Dolan & Murphy, Sue Scheuerman, and several others committed to alleviating food insecurity in the community. The collaborative nature of the Aurora Holiday Food Drive demonstrates the power of community engagement and generosity during the holiday season, reminding everyone that together, they can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
