Frequently Asked Questions
We are always happy to answer questions.
Question:
Where do the people you help come from?
Answer:
The seniors in the Senior Citizen Project are referred by area caseworkers. For example, we partner with DuPage County Senior Services, Catholic Charities, area townships, and other social service agencies to identify low-income seniors who are struggling and who would benefit from the nutritious food those in our program receive each month. Similarly, we work with DuPage County’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Head Start, Catholic Charities, townships, and other agencies for referrals for the children in Feed the Kids and the Children’s Birthday Project.
Question:
How do you fund your efforts?
Answer:
We rely on generous donations of new toys and non-perishable food, sponsorships for program seniors and children, grants, and individual and corporate monetary donations. We receive no funding from United Way.
Question:
I want to help more directly. What’s the best way to do that?
Answer:
An unrestricted as-needed donation of any amount is greatly appreciated since it also allows us to devote the donation toward our most pressing need. Call us to see what’s most needed. We are happy to talk with you about how you can help. In addition, sponsorships of seniors and children in our Senior Citizen Project and Children’s Birthday Project programs are a commitment for one year only. It is your choice whether you want to recommit for another year.
Question:
I want to teach my children to help those in need. How can I do that?
Answer:
If your children are young, you could encourage them to help you collect non-perishable food, new toys, batteries, or other items for our programs. With older children, we have had many young people organize neighborhood collection drives for school supplies, arts and crafts items, toys, and food. Children of all ages could accompany you while you make a monthly delivery to our seniors, or your family could provide a holiday meal and deliver it to one or more of our seniors. You and your children could sponsor a child for our Children’s Birthday Project or a senior in our Senior Citizen Project. Children ages 10 and up can volunteer to sort food at our Center.
Question:
Do you have Saturday volunteer hours?
Answer:
Once a month on Saturday, Senior Citizen Project volunteers load and deliver food and other items for our seniors. Otherwise, our volunteers are needed during the weekdays when we are open from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. We sometimes call on our volunteer speakers to make weekend presentations, and we welcome new speakers to join us. We also have summer weekend volunteer opportunities at various community events sponsored by our funders, such as the Naperville Exchange Club Ribfest. Other opportunities include representing us at area volunteer fairs like the Giving DuPage Volunteer Fair. At Christmas time, we have one Saturday when the families pick up their gifts and food when volunteer opportunities are available. The Saturday before Mother’s Day is typically the post office Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive and this is another opportunity to help on a Saturday.
Question:
I need help myself. What should I do?
Answer:
Our referrals come from caseworkers. We ask that you seek assistance through local agencies first.
