Spirit of Giving: Help Fight Hunger in Your Community Today
CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC 7's Spirit of Giving Food Drive campaign reminds Chicagoans in the city and suburbs that they have a terrific opportunity to help adults and children experiencing hunger in their communities. This year's message is "Help Fight Hunger in YOUR community."
You can find more ways to get involved by clicking on the banners below and making a donation to the food banks, serving as a volunteer and/or participating in an event in the community.
The ABC 7 Spirit of Giving campaign, supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank, will kick off on Tuesday, December 1 on ABC 7's Eyewitness News at 5 am with Judy Hsu and Terrell Brown. Kate Maehr, executive director & CEO, Greater Chicago Food Depository will appear on the morning newscast to talk about the face of hunger in Chicago and how to raise awareness of the increasing need for food in our region. ABC 7 Meteorologist, Tracy Butler will present a check to the Greater Chicago Food Depository on behalf of the Duke Classic, a golf fundraiser that honors the memory of late ABC 7 photographer Mike Dukewich by supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Then on Wednesday, December 2, Julie Yurko, president and CEO of the Northern Illinois Food Bank will talk about the great need for food in suburban areas. According to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, one in seven people in northern Illinois faces hunger. Nearly half are children.
President and General Manager of ABC 7, John Idler said, "We are proud once again this year to join forces with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank, to remind our viewers that they can have a direct impact on helping the hungry in their own communities, especially during the holiday season."
Both food banks will explain the best ways to donate.
To donate to the Greater Chicago Food Depository go to http://chicagosfoodbank.org/ABC7, to donate to the Northern Illinois Food Bank go to www.solvehungertoday.org/ABC7
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is Cook County's food bank. Every year, the Food Depository provides food for more than 812,000 people in need through a network of 650 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, programs and innovative responses for children, older adults and veterans. The Food Depository strives to end hunger through grassroots advocacy, training for workforce development and partnerships for a healthier community. This daily impact is possible with the support of generous donors and committed volunteers.
According to Maehr, "One in six people in Cook County needs help in putting food on the table. Increasingly, the face of hunger in our community is a child, a senior, a veteran and often a person with a job or multiple jobs. We appreciate ABC 7's effort to raise awareness and encourage action to help our neighbors in need."
Northern Illinois Food Bank leads the northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partnerships.
"While one in seven people in the suburbs is facing hunger, we know that as a community we have the power to ensure that no one goes hungry in northern Illinois," said Julie Yurko, president and CEO, Northern Illinois Food Bank. "With the generous support of ABC 7 Chicago's Spirit of Giving campaign, we hope more viewers will better understand that hunger is a real concern for thousands of men, women and children across Chicagoland, and that they have the opportunity to give the gift of nourishment and hope to a neighbor in need."
Northern Illinois Food Bank works with 800 community food pantries and feeding programs across 13 counties to provide nutritious food to 71,500 hungry neighbors every week. Additionally, afterschool and BackPack Programs help ensure children at risk of hunger have the nutrition they need to live active, thriving lives.
Every $1 donated to Northern Illinois Food Bank provides $8 of food to a hungry neighbor. Northern Illinois Food Bank has centers in Geneva, Park City, and Rockford, and an office in Joliet.
Throughout the month of December, ABC 7 will air Spirit of Giving - "Helping Fight Hunger in Your Community" public service announcements encouraging viewers to get involved. For information on how to donate go to abc7chicago.com.
