The  Palatine Food Drive began on Oct. 6 and will continue through Nov. 24. Palatine residents are asked to bring non-perishable food and family supplies to one of 22 donation locations.

The Palatine Food Drive, hosted by Lavelle Law, Ltd., donates received items to the Palatine Food Pantry. In 2010, Lavelle Law received a special commendation by the Palatine Township Board for their efforts. The law firm also assists the Arlington Food Drive and the Wheeling Township Food Pantry.

Palatine Food Drive coordinator Kerry Lavelle explains the behind the scenes process of the Palatine Food Drive.

“Last year we had about 40 volunteers who gave their time to unload the semi-truck of food donations,” Lavelle said. “Our volunteers then split into groups to pick up the food collected at our drop box locations scattered throughout Palatine or Arlington Heights and deliver the food collected to the Palatine Township Food Pantry or the Wheeling Township Food Pantry.”

Senior Meghan Bartos encourages donating to the food drive because it is a hassle-free process.
“It’s really easy to find stuff in your pantry that you never use,” Bartos said. “Everyone should donate these items so they can help a lot of people.”

The drop-off locations include the Palatine Opportunity Center, the Palatine Village Hall, and the Palatine Police Department. Locations will have boxes with the Palatine Food Drive logo for donations. The food drive also receives support and donations from local corporations, such as Eurofresh Market, WiseWay and Berkot’s Super Foods.

Freshman Jamie Stoesser shares his positive experience donating to the food drive.

“I have donated to the food drive before,” Stoesser said. “It made me feel really good knowing that what I did went to a good cause.”

The Palatine Food Pantry serves approximately 330 families every month within Palatine Township boundaries. Through the year, the food in the Pantry comes from individual donations or food drives by schools, churches, businesses, and other groups. The pantry is currently low on juice, cereal, toilet paper, spaghetti sauce and laundry detergent.

Social studies teacher Steven Buenning recognizes the importance of giving year round.

“I don’t look at a food drive that is necessarily a one-shot deal,” Buenning said. “To me, the food pantry always needs donations. That’s how we look at it in our household.”

Lavelle Law marketing manager Heather Slipkevych hopes that more Fremd students and staff contribute to the Food Drive.

“I would encourage any student,  teacher or staff member to contact our office or visit our website to find a list of participating businesses and park district locations that are accepting donations,” Slipkevych said. “With each passing year, it is our main goal to add new drop box locations to our list and do our part to get more of the community involved in the collection efforts. ”

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