Chamber630: WSCP Ryan Family Issues Matching Fund For Food Pantry

Downers Grove IL

09 August, 2021

11:17 PM

Description

Press release from the Chamber630: Aug 9, 2021 For Immediate Release: 8/6/21 Media Contact: Deb Newman, Deborah Newman Marketing/Communications 630-846-4759 Naperville Residents Nick and Teresa Ryan issue West Suburban Food Pantry Matching Fund Challenge The devastating economic affect that COVID-19 has had on many west suburban Chicago families continues, according to the West Suburban Community Pantry, located in Woodridge and serving DuPage and Will County communities. Prior to the pandemic the majority of clients served by the Pantry were working families. In the past year the numbers have grown substantially.  Many lost incomes due to layoffs, health concerns, lack of childcare and the challenges of remote learning, family illness and loss.  These families have had to choose between feeding their family or paying for housing, utilities, medical care, and prescriptions. As we all seek to recover, Nick Ryan and Teresa Ryan of Naperville have issued a matching fund challenge to help individuals with a hand up during this challenging time.  Over the next 100 days, the Ryans will match 50% of every gift made to the Pantry with the goal of $100,000.  "The Hand Up Fund is designed to help people get back on their feet and relieve some of the stress that comes from not being able to properly feed their children," says Nick Ryan.  "Teresa and I are pleased to be able to offer clients not a handout, but a hand up. Providing people with food can help them afford the shelter, healthcare and childcare they need to re-enter the workforce."  Teresa Ryan adds "Our community has faced an unprecedented challenge, and we are hoping the community will join us to be part of the solution. We appreciate that the Pantry is partnering with a variety of other agencies to help clients get the life skills and job-readiness training they need for self-sufficiency." This press release was produced by the Chamber630. The views expressed here are the author's own.