There's Still Time to Donate to Your Local Food Pantry

You're probably busy getting ready for your family's Thanksgiving feast on Thursday while some of your neighbors are wondering what, if anything, they will have to celebrate.

So while you're at the grocery store picking up last-minute items, remember there is still time to make a last-minute donation to your local food pantry.

"We are always in need. A lot of families are experiencing hardship," said Michael Pimpo, executive director of People Lending Assistance Network (PLAN), a food pantry located in Round Lake Beach that assists Lake County residents.

A study conducted by the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Feeding America reveals that 22.4 percent of children under the age of 18 are at risk of hunger in the 13 counties Northern Illinois Food Bank serves, including Lake County.

Of households served by PLAN, 33 percent of family members are under 18. Seven percent of individuals served by PLAN are homeless.

Some organizations that PLAN has relied upon in the past for donations have been unable to help this season, said Pimpo.

For Thanksgiving, PLAN expects to provide holiday meal items to 150 area families. While Jewel is graciously donating 60 turkeys to the pantry, PLAN is still in need of 20 to 30 more, preferably thawed or even pre-cooked, said Pimpo.

Paper items such as toilet paper and paper towels are also in great need.

Items may be dropped-off at PLAN from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The pantry is closed Thanksgiving.

PLAN is located at 1892 Nicole Ave., one mile north of Rollins Road and Route 83, in Round Lake Beach.

Families in need can call (847) 302-9904.

PLAN also accepts monetary donations and is in need for the winter holiday season as well as Thanksgiving. Each dollar donated to PLAN can purchase nine pounds of food through the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Area food pantries

The community can also make donations to the following area food pantries:

Avon Township Food Pantry, located at 433 E. Washington St., Round Lake Park. Hours are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday; 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday (closed Thanksgiving); 9 a.m. to noon Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month. Call (847) 546-1446.

Lake Villa Township Food Pantry, located at 37908 N. Fairfield Road, Lake Villa. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving. Call (847) 356-2116.

Open Arms Mission, located at 1548 S. Main St., Antioch. Client service hours are 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (closed Thanksgiving). Call (847) 395-0309.