Community Corner

Food Pantry Heads Into Its Busy Season

As the holiday season begins, the Frankfort Township Food Pantry prepares for more donations. Find out who is holding food drives and other activities for the pantry.

There's a predictable routine to the fall season. Like the changing color of the leaves or the changing of Halloween decorations straight to Christmas lights.

It's the influx of activity at the . From Nov. 1 to the day before Christmas, the pantry hits its busiest period of the year, said the food pantry's Jodi Gallagher-Dilling.

"It's great, and it's wonderful," Gallagher-Dilling said. "I actually had to call in extra volunteers (this week)."

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The increased attention is certainly helpful given the slow intake of donations during the summer months. Although she doesn't expect to see a jump in demand this season, Gallagher-Dilling said she doesn't see participation dissipating. The food pantry averages about 10 to 12 families a day during this time of year, she said.

This year, the pantry is trying some new programs for the season:

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  • The pantry will be giving out 150 turkeys--10- to 16-pound birds depending on the size of the family--for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • As part of a "giving tree" program, the pantry is looking for donations of $10 gift cards to stores in the Lincoln-Way area.

The pantry also is looking for anyone who's willing to donate or give a good price for hams to give out at Christmas, Gallagher-Dilling said. And as always, the pantry can stand to have more volunteers, she added.

"We have a lot of good volunteers," Gallagher-Dilling said. "It's like a regular work schedule. ... We try to get everyone involved in the community."

Volunteers, people looking to donate and individuals looking for help from the pantry can call 815-806-2761.

Area Food Drives

What: New patients get an initial comprehensive evaluation for $20 with the donation of five non-perishable food items to the pantry.
When: Through November

Vikkie Monaco Salon Studio

What: Bring a bag of non-perishable food items and receive $10 off hair service at the Mokena salon.
When: Through November

What: Visit the business's Facebook page and "like" or "friend" the page. A Professional Heating will donate $1 to the food pantry.
When: Through November

What: The Frankfort jewelry store will be holding a Party With a Purpose with all proceeds going to the pantry.
When: Nov. 18-19.


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