Food Pantry News: A Success Story, and a Shopping List

A story from Bob Kalicki, who does A LOT of great work with the food pantry:

20120211-095432.jpg

The food pantry has been serving an average of 20 families each Wednesday we are open, which is the first, third and fourth Wednesday of the month.

I need to share a story of how this ministry affects people. A young lady came to the food pantry several weeks ago, gave me a hug and thanked Saint Nicholas for helping her family while she was out of work. She had just obtained a job and wanted us to know how much Saint Nicholas helped her. I accepted her thanks on behalf of Saint Nicholas and the staff that works the food pantry. Her joy and the tears I see in people’s eyes when they leave Saint Nicholas with their groceries is difficult to put into words.

Since the food pantry is so busy, we find ourselves running out of cereal, canned corn and canned fish. Please help us by donating these items.

-Bob Kalicki

via News from St. Nicholas Episcopal Church

Shout Outs From St Nick

St. Viator High School for their most generous and loving donation of over two dozen full boxes of food to our Holy Innocents Pantry.

St. Simon’s Church and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew for their donation of food to our pantry.

Random Acres Garden Center for their generous donation of vegetables to our food pantry.

Jay O’Reilly and Douglas VanHouten for their friendly and able assistance in getting the worship space decorated for Advent.

Hal Stratton and Steve Raftery for their most generous purchase of greenery to festoon the Advent wreath.

All who have donated food to the Holy Innocents Food Pantry…the holidays will be a bit brighter for those in our community less fortunate.

Our very own Tim “tool man” Black who kept chilly winds and uninvited critters outside the church by caulking badly sealed windows.

Our dear friend, Carin Lewandowski, a supporter of St. Nicholas and former co-worker with Manny, who donated financial assistance to our food pantry to help provide holiday food for Thanksgiving.

Bishop’s Committee News: Second Family Program Changes

At the Bishop’s Committee meeting November 13, Manny informed the Bishop’s Committee that he met with the principal at Clearmont School regarding the Second Family Program. The principal has decided that there is not a good way to distinguish between needy families in order to select several for Second Family, so they will no longer participate in the Second Family Program.

Since the Second Family Program is no longer in effect, we will check with the Schaumburg and Elk Grove food pantries to see if they still have an “adopt a family” program that we might be able to participate in.

There was discussion on what we will be able to provide for the families that frequent our food pantry over the holidays this year. It was decided that it will be best to focus on food for the families. We will give each family a $20 gift card to Dominick’s for Thanksgiving and we hope to be able to give each family a turkey for Christmas.

pat@stnicholasepiscopal.org

Pat Kalicki

Pat Kalicki