Food and fellowship

SUN CITY – “The Grafton Food Pantry serves 200 families, and 500 individuals,” said John Rossi, president of the Grafton Food Pantry.

Sun City resident Diane Flanagan of Neighborhood 17 has been a Grafton Township Food Pantry volunteer for three years. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)

Harriet Ford, who handles PR/Marketing and community outreach for the Grafton Food Pantry, said, “Sun City is a big community with an even bigger heart. The residents have played an integral part in the success of Grafton Food Pantry. As a result of the ongoing generosity of Sun City residents, we are able to help a greater number of people by providing supplemental food items, household cleaning items, personal grooming items, and even books. So many of the neighborhoods, clubs, and individuals have donated food and funds that have made a world of difference for these families to survive during these lean economic times,” said

“A large number of our regular volunteer base consists of Sun City residents that pitch in on a recurring basis. Many of them donate again through their local churches.”

The Treasurer for the Grafton Food Pantry, Betty Zirk,

helped Rossi create a non-for-profit organization in 2006 to accommodate the Grafton Food Pantry. “We are very appreciative and thankful for all of these wonderful people,” said Zirk.

Ford says the unique thing about the food pantry is how it brings the community together. “Boy Scouts, seniors, the business community, churches, your local Wal-Mart, Costco, all working together to provide a safe haven for people to get food, a gift card, a smile, and a helping hand. If people require other types of services, we are also a referral center.”

Sun City residents, with their diverse backgrounds, are also able to offer business expertise to the food pantry’s operations. “…computer skills, and always a compassionate attitude toward our clients,” said Ford. “Treating everyone with the dignity they deserve is part of our mission. There are no politics or hidden agendas … just folks working together to help their neighbors. They are truly an amazing group of people that have helped us not only survive, but thrive,” said Ford.

Rossi echoes Ford’s sentiments: “Those people [Sun City residents] have demonstrated great civic commitment in giving back to the area,” said Rossi.

Grafton Food Pantry is the only food pantry that serves all of Huntley in addition to portions of Lake in the Hills, the Village of Lakewood, and portions of Crystal Lake.

If you are interested in volunteering, hosting a food or gift card drive, or visiting the facility, please call 847-495-0922. The pantry is located just down the street from Sun City, off Kreutzer Drive at 12191-B Smith Drive in Huntley.

There are donation boxes at the Huntley Library, Harris Bank Huntley, Huntley Park District, and Wisteds Market.

“I can’t say enough about the folks out there [Sun City Residents]. They’ve been overwhelmingly supportive,” said Rossi. “They are our backbone.”

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