Ministering to the Under Served
Due to ongoing Covid 19 restrictions, DuPagePads, The Night Ministry, and The Greater Chicago Food Depository volunteers are no longer working with the public, but there are other opportunities to help. Check each ministry listed below for details.
Both GCFD and DuPagePads Emergency Response Fund are asking the community for monetary donations, Hope's Front Door is collecting school supply donations and other toiletry type supplies, and Night Ministry needs volunteers.
An independent 501(C)3 walk-in ministry located in our building. Volunteers from our church and the greater community serve residents with emergency needs and referral services.
Hope's Front Door is open with curbside, walk-up assistance.
Hours: 10 a.m. - noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
To volunteer, please email Hope's Front Door. To donate items, see this list.
To donate to the annual school supply drive, ending August 10, see this list.
CONTACT: Kathy Nazzarini - kathy.nazzarini@hopesfrontdoor.com
This Chicago organization provides housing, healthcare, and human connection to those struggling with poverty and homelessness. On the third Sunday of every month, volunteers from our church make sandwiches from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. and then car pool to the site in Humboldt Park from 5:30-8 p.m. to deliver the meal and connect with those in need.
Volunteers are always needed on the third Sunday of the month from 4:30 - 7 p.m. to make sandwiches and deliver them to the Night Ministry bus.
Here is the link to sign up for 2021.
CONTACT: Nadine Bahaveolos - nbahav@att.net
Our church hosts homeless families on Monday nights from October - April providing dinner, a bed, showers, laundry facilities, breakfast, and a bag lunch.
CONTACT: Tom Williams - dontomas23@aol.com
Our church partners with this DuPage County organization providing mentors and an aprtment to a family in need as they work through a two-year program of self-sufficiency.
CONTACT: Char Wild - charwild@comcast.net
Cook County's local food bank strives to fight hunger. Every Wednesday night, volunteers travel to this food warehouse and repack bulk food into smaller packages that are distributed to 700 partner agencies including food pantries, soup kitchen, and shelters.
CONTACT: Dave Hersemann - dah5@comcast.net
Laurel Carlson - lacduke@comcast.net
Mission Trips
There are opportunities offered each year for youth and adults to get outside of their comfort zones, meet those in need, and grow in faith.
CONTACT: Pastor Scott Oberle - pastorscott@uccdg.org
Downers Grove Community Kitchen
In response to the pandemic of 2020 and the closure of the PADS interim sites, our church began serving meals on Monday nights outside of our west entrance. A grass-roots group of individuals began serving food at the public parking garage and train station. We joined together in a true community response and this coalition of churches, community organizations, and individuals all began serving from our newly acquired building. We serve the local homeless and food insecure community, providing not only meals, but providing toiletries, coats, boots, gloves, and other necessities.
Signup Genius link to volunteer here.
CONTACT: Mary Dove - marykdove@gmail.com
Tom Williams - dontomas23@aol.com
Dave Humphreys - dave@davehumphreys.com
The Little Free Pantry
In response to the pandemic of 2020, our church converted
the Little Free Library erected by the youth in front of our building into a
Little Free Pantry. Based on the activity that has occurred over the past year,
we have decided to keep it going. The number
of people in our community facing food
insecurity is still very high. The
pantry is stocked with non-perishable food and personal items.
To help us continue this effort, please donate to the pantry using this link for a full list of acceptable items. Thank you to everyone who has been supporting this pantry!
CONTACT: Kathy Gajewski - kag0405@gmail.com
