UCCA Supports Local Families

Elmhurst IL

29 January, 2021

9:30 AM

Description

United Community Concerns Association completed its ninth and final Mobile Food Pantry of 2020 on December 30th at Churchville Middle School. Efforts were combined with Elmhurst School District 205 and the District 205 Foundation to distribute additional food that day to D205 families during Winter Break. In its 42-year history, UCCA has never faced a crisis of this magnitude and scale. Due to COVID-19, the District 205 families that UCCA serves, who were already struggling with food insecurity, are now in dire need. "As we look back over the past year, we are grateful for and proud of the way the community rallied together to help us deliver food to families facing hardship," said Susie Sands, UCCA President. In 2020, UCCA distributed more than 100,000 pounds of food at nine Mobile Food Pantries. Along with food distribution at the Mobile Food Pantries, UCCA collaborated with DuPage Health Coalition to distribute more than 1,000 free reusable face masks to adults and children, and worked with Access DuPage to set up a Mobile Clinic offering flu shots to all UCCA families. UCCA also sent out four Emergency Food Gift Card mailings and three Holiday Food Gift Card mailings. The food gift cards enable families to shop for fresh foods and essentials that may not be available at other venues such as food pantries. In addition, 300 Holiday Meal Boxes were delivered to families. UCCA provided more than three times as much food assistance in 2020, as compared to an average year. The value of aid given to the community totaled over $174,000. Since Elmhurst schools reopened, 30% more families than last year have requested assistance due to food insecurity. One Elmhurst single mom shared this: "Thank you so much for all you do for us. The Jewel food gift cards have helped us get through the pandemic." In following CDC guidelines, all of UCCA's major fundraisers have been cancelled and its 42nd Annual Community Holiday Food Drive took on a new look in 2020. To ensure everyone's safety, Food Drive efforts were moved online. Instead of bringing food donations to schools or other food collection sites, online sponsorships were available. More than 300 new donors gave from their hearts, totaling over $27,000. As uncertainty continues regarding how long the pandemic will last, the need for food relief will increase for many families. UCCA's goal is to provide ongoing and even increased emergency food assistance to Elmhurst District 205 children and their families. UCCA has a "neighbors helping neighbors" approach, driven by a 100% volunteer board, with over 98% of all donations used to feed our neighbors in need. UCCA is a recognized 501(c)3 organization. UCCA is asking for community assistance to continue its efforts. To support its work, donate by check to UCCA, 125 W Church St, Elmhurst or online at www.ucca-elmhurst.org. Thank you so much for all you, as a community, do for UCCA and District 205 families in need.