Free Time: Feed the soul through Humanitarian Service Project
Submitted by Renee Tomell on October 22, 2009 - 11:54am
DO IT
Beyond supplying nutritious food to the elderly and to children in need, the Humanitarian Service Project also nurtures the human connection. Services have expanded since its founding 31 years ago to include the Children’s Birthday Project. The day is made special for kids who receive a hand-selected array of new toys, stuffed animals, books and school supplies, accompanied by party items. “It remembers them on their birthday in a way that lets them know they’re special and that there’s love all around,” says founder Karole Kettering. “My mission has always been to alleviate the suffering that comes from poverty, by supporting those people that are in greatest need.”
Two children carry out a birthday box, part of the Children’s Birthday Project. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
WHOM IT HELPS
The organization helps people who live in Kane and DuPage counties. To replace school meals from June to August, the summer-long Feed the Kids program just turned 5, and has grown from helping 11 families to 90. “Thanks to donations and grants, we’re able to put together a fabulous package ... of nonperishables, produce, meat and bread each month,” Kettering says. The senior citizen food program is year-round. Toys and food also brighten the Christmas holiday for kids eligible for the Birthday Project. “Every Christmas, it comes to 24 tons of food,” she says.
The Feed the Kids project delivers produce boxes to families over the summer months, when children don’t receive government-provided school lunches.
HOW TO HELP
In time for the holidays, new toys are needed, especially for ages 8 to 15; toys should not be violence-related. Volunteers can opt to provide money to buy groceries and personal care items; pick up donations for the center; select the name of a gift recipient from the giving tree; sort and package donated foods (open to ages 10 and up); help prepare Christmas gifts; or put on toy and food drives. Kettering says a $60 donation ensures a Christmas delivery that will provide several weeks of groceries for a family.
MORE INFO
WHO Humanitarian Service Project, Carol Stream
PHONE (630) 221-8340
EMAIL hsp@humanitarianservice.org
WEB www.humanitarianservice.org
COOK COUNTY OPPORTUNITY Cicero-Berwyn-Stickney Anti-Hunger Foundation’s Food Pantry in Cicero; (708) 863-4913 or www.cbsantihunger.org
Comments
Thanks for a nice piece about the Humanitarian Service Project. Your blog is interesting and a great way to find out what's happening in the western suburbs.
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