,
08
July
2020
|
16:27 PM
America/Chicago

Ill. Wing Assists Food Banks During Pandemic

Capt. Mike Miley
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Illinois Wing

The Illinois Wing has provided continuous support since April for the statewide response to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing primarily on helping out several food banks across northern Illinois.

Wing members have volunteered thousands of hours to provide tens of thousands of meals.

The wing “has served our local communities extensively by helping staff food banks in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri,” said Col. Robert Demspsey Jr., wing commander. “Our cadet and adult members have volunteered hundreds of hours and have helped deliver thousands of meals to families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic."

As one example of the food bank mission, Cadet 1st Lt. Abigail Turek of the Col. Shorty Powers Composite Squadron was one of six Civil Air Patrol volunteers distributing donated groceries to about 250 families in May. Supporting the 4 K.I.D.S. Sake Food Pantry and Enrichment Center in Bolingbrook, members directed vehicles to the pickup line and loaded groceries for the drivers.

"This is an ongoing effort, as demand for donated groceries by families in need has increased greatly due to the Coronavirus pandemic," said Master Sgt. Frank D'Angelo, Illinois Wing command chief, who participated in the 4 K.I.D.S. Sake mission.

In addition to that nonprofit, the Illinois Wing continues to support these food banks:

  • DuPage Township Food Pantry – Romeoville
     
  • Greater Chicago Food Depository – Chicago
     
  • LakeView Food Pantry – Chicago
     
  • Northern Illinois Food Bank – multiple locations