Your Food Pantry Serves the Community
by Greg Cryns
Richmond Report correspondent

"We've heard a lot about heroes over the past year," says Char Kania who is the director of the Community Food Pantry located in the basement of Memorial Hall in Richmond. "There are heroes right here in Richmond and Spring Grove."

Originally known as the Richmond Food Pantry, it was established in 1973 by Pastor Terry Dufer, Mary Schultz, Pastor Mensing, Pastor Patterson and Father Nevil. It was housed at that time at St. Joseph's Church when Father Nevil was the pastor. Mary Schultz ran the pantry until 1985 when Fran Hanus took over. Char Kania and her husband and co-director Ken Kania took over in 1990. Until 1993 the pantry consisted of just one closet at Memorial Hall. In 1993 when the new village Hall was completed, the pantry was given the
clerk's office, a large empty room.

"It has been the countless number of people who give every day, weekly or monthly, that has made the pantry what it is," says Kania. "We have no paid staff. All of the work is done by volunteers. The food pantry operates completely on donations with no government assistance. We have three freezers. Two were bought and donated by the Rotary and the third by a retired couple from Genoa City. All of our industrial shelf units were donated. Our refrigerator was also donated. Cash donations help to buy meat to stock the freezers, orange juice, diapers, formula, most anything we do not receive through food drives."

When the 911 tragedy struck the nation last year, food pantries around the country suffered as well. Most people focused their support toward New York. "But our pantry had its own hero. Tom Van Daele, the owner of Van's Foods, was there to lend us a helping hand," said Kania. "He supplied turkey at Thanksgiving and ordered special things for us at the very best prices. He went the extra mile and made sure all of our freezers had meat. The food pantry has an account with Van's where I can call and send people who might
need milk or other items we don't have. We also purchase food certificates from Jewel, Sentry and Dominick's. Sometimes we need to send people out of town to use the certificates to avoid embarrassment for them at the nearby stores."

Where do the supplies come from?

Local Churches are major contributors to the pantry. They keep baskets or barrels where food can be donated by parishioners all week long. Every Monday morning John Ritzert delivers donations from Grace Lutheran. St. Joseph's and the Community Church make deliveries on a regular basis. The St. Vincent DePaul organization at St. Peter's in Spring Grove goes a step further. "They call in every month to find out exactly what is needed," said Kania. "Then they go out and shop. The Knights of Columbus from St. Joseph's help us out financially. Food drives are wonderful. People now realize that
the need is year round, not just on the holidays."

The community youth do a lot of work for the pantry. On Halloween high school students trick or treat for can goods and other necessities. At St. Joseph's and St. Peter's churches the young people have a food drive during Lent. They also put on scavenger hunts to bring in food. In March the Boy Scouts put on the "Scouting for Food" drive which is a nationwide endeavor.

The Spring Grove Post Master also helps by promoting the Postal Food Drive. "His carriers work very hard to pick up bags of food on their routes. Last year three of our volunteers picked up three truckloads at the post office," said Kania.

Volunteers wear many hats. Kate Hellman of Richmond sorts and rotates stock on the food shelves making sure to keep all products in date. Fresh eggsarrive from a farmer weekly. Green peppers, onions and tomatoes are donated by family gardeners. Nancy Dittmer volunteers her time to send out thank you notes and complete the paper work. Local companies such as Scott Forge, Ex Tech, Olsen Electric, Richmond Motors, Silver Edge and others also organize
food drives.

"After helping many families I realized that their needs were much greater than a couple of bags of groceries," said Kania. "It is hard for people to ask for help. Sometimes I meet them late at night or early morning so they will not be seen by a neighbor. Sometimes they need a shoulder to cry on, money to fix a child's eyeglasses, shampoo for head lice so a child can go to school. At Christmas we adopt every family out and make sure every child has underwear, socks, a warm coat and boots. This year we were able to get 68 children into school with their school supplies, back pack, calculator
and gym shoes."

It is not always the same families who return for help. "People come to the pantry when they have no other place to go," she said. "We help get them over the hump." Often the families that receive help will then return the favor when they get back on their feet.

Troubled travelers are also assisted by the food pantry. The pantry works closely with Richmond Police Chief Roger Szewczyk. He keeps small bags of food ready for people who encounter vehicle emergencies.

Goods are distributed by appointment only. Most clients arrive with referral letters from the health department, public aid, Catholic Charities and other organizations.

"You must avoid being judgmental here," said Kania. "Right now it is a tough time for many people. I get a lot of soaked shirts from the tears of people who are in desperate need. I'm seeing more seniors and people with disabilities. The job lay-offs have affected many people. Single mothers are a growing number who seek help from us. Family illness is a big factor. Medical bills can pile up to the point where people are forced to seek help. With the help we receive from all of the heroes in our communities we can make it through the challenges and make the work very rewarding." said Kania. "It makes me feel good to know that our less fortunate neighbors have
a safety net."

Towns in McHenry County, Illinois
(click for more info about each town)
Algonquin Cary Crystal Lake Harvard Hebron Huntley Johnsburg
Mchenry Marengo Richmond Spring Grove Woodstock Wonder Lake