Feeding America
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief program. 98% of all cash donations and noncash donations go directly into programs serving people in need. This network helps 1 in 7 Americans facing hunger live secure and stable lives. Learn more at www.feedingamerica.org.
Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund
Governor JB Pritzker joined the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations today to announce the launch of the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund (ICRF), a new statewide fundraising effort to support nonprofit organizations serving those whose lives have been upended by this pandemic. The ICRF is launching with nearly $23 million in initial donations. In the upcoming weeks, the steering committee will evaluate and disburse funds to the initial wave of charitable organizations serving at-need communities across the entire state. All donations and distributions will be available to the public. More information can be found at
We ask all parishioners to direct donations of food or other items directly to the organizations in our community, such as Hesed House, Lazarus House and Salvation Army. Do not bring physical donations to the parish. Please bring your items to either of these locations. The people who are served by these organizations are still in great need.
Salvation Army
Hesed House
Lazarus House
Online Donations Needed at Hesed House
On the second Thursday of each month, St. John Neumann PADS ministry is commited to donate food for the homeless community at Hesed House. During this pandemic, they are also in need of monetary donations to fulfill the needs of our brothers and sisters in need. You may do this by either sending them a check or going online to their Website. A check may be sent directly to Hesed house at 659 South River St., Aurora 60506, to the attention of Bruce Bachmeier. Please also write on the memo line “St John Neuman food donation. “ Or a donation may be made online at Hesedhouse.org. On their website please be sure to indicate that this is a donation for food from St John Neuman Catholic Church. To see their current situation, click here. God bless you, stay healthy and thank you very much for your generosity. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Sue Skibley or Susana Morones at smorones@sjnstcharles.org.
Northern Illinois Food Bank
The Food Bank has been responding to the increased need in our communities since mid-march.
- In the month of March, the Food Bank distributed 6.1M meals, a half a million meals over goal and that equates to 200,000 meals daily for our neighbors.
- We launched Pop-Up Markets to distribute additional food to neighbors in need in a drive-thru format. Originally created to provide fresh produce, we will be expanding to add other types of nutritious food. To date we served nearly 750 families in Geneva and over 2,100 families in Joliet. We anticipate continuing these markets 1-2 times a week in different communities.
- To support our network of food pantries and other feeding programs, we are distributing $250,000 in funding to our network as food credits and grants.
We are witnessing increased need every day across our service area and will continue to adapt to offer the most resources we can for our neighbors. Our pantries are reporting increases up to 50% and we are seeing increases of even 100% at some of our programs. Visits to our food pantry locator on our website have increased 763%. Nationally more than 20M individuals filed for unemployment in recent weeks and economists are predicting unemployment to remain at 10% for the rest of the year. Our communities need us now more than ever and the support from our partners, donors and volunteers will enable us to serve those who need it now and in the future. _
The economic impact of COVID-19 is drastically increasing rates of food insecurity in our community. Closures of businesses and schools, social distancing, and self-quarantines may affect many of our neighbors, particularly the most vulnerable: older adults, health-compromised individuals, and hourly workers.
While all support is greatly appreciated, financial donations of any size will help support the Food Bank’s operations during this time of increased need. Every $1 donated helps provide $8 in groceries for our neighbors. Make a gift online now.
If you would like to make a donation by mail you may still send your gift to 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva, IL, 60134 as our office remains open. Please note that the deposits of checks and mailing of acknowledgement letters may be delayed during this time. Thank you!… we are all in this together and with your help we can be stronger. God Bless You!
