Imagine coming home from work, opening your refrigerator and not having any food for your children or for yourself. Imagine not having the financial resources to afford daily necessities and being told that your local food bank has run low on supplies. Sadly, this is a reality faced by many area residents.

A worsening economy and changes in food stamp benefits has driven up the demand for food pantries at least 50% (with a 168% increase at one local food bank!) compared with this time last year. Unfortunately, food donations have not kept pace. In some locations, food donations have fallen more than 50% during the non-peak donation seasons, while need remains constant year-round.

Fortunately, Northwest Suburban United Way, area food pantires, local governments and area businesses have combined efforts to combat the food shortage. From Sept. 22nd-26th, as part of “Live United” Week, you can make a difference by donating your food items to local drop sites in your community.

We are looking for: Rice, Peanut Butter, Beans – Canned and Dry, Canned Meats and Stews, Macaroni and Cheese, Cereal, Canned Fruits and Veggies, Soups, Powdered and Evaporated Milk, Infant Supplies (baby food, formula, diapers), Hygiene (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant), and Paper Goods (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins).

While we can’t eridicate all the need in our area, we can make a difference. We can put a stake in the ground and say that for one week, for one day, we can all pause in our daily lives and take a stand to advance the common good. We are one community and we can all LIVE UNITED.

Note: List of participating food pantries and public drop sites coming soon.

On August 19th, 2008, volunteers from the Mount Prospect office of Caremark donated their time to volunteer at the Lattof YMCA in Des Plaines.  Along with United Way staff, they cleaned two buses, an entire skate park and a nursery during their four hours of service.  Valued at nearly $20 per hour, Caremark’s volunteers contributed nearly $400 of service to our community.

Additonally, Northwest Suburban United Way is proud to feature Caremark during our LIVE UNITED Week Food Drive as a corporate sponsor this coming September.

Throught their collaboration, Caremark has proven their commitment to improve the lives of the people they serve.  United Way Days of Caring bring together area businesses and United Way partners opportunities that benefit our Northwest Suburban and Skokie Valley communities.  For opportunities where you can make a difference, contact Matt Altstiel (Northwest Suburban United Way) at 847-768-1074.