Once again the Holiday Food and Gift Basket (HFGB) Program was a huge success. Thanks to a generous community, we helped 950 households (over 2,200 individuals) have a happier holiday season by providing Thanksgiving food cards and personal holiday gifts.
As coordinator, I now appreciate how special the HFGB is for everyone involved. Regardless if one was on the giving or receiving end, the true spirit of the holidays was clearly seen and felt.
I was especially impressed by the number of hands who came together in a short period of time to make the program work, including a volunteer driver who had been a grateful recipient of the program for several years. She was more than happy to be in a position to give back.
Many volunteers, sponsors and drivers have been part of the program for years. For instance, one family has made it their tradition to deliver gifts, bring treats and visit with the elderly residents of the Oaks. I was touched that many drivers took the time to visit with the families and individuals receiving the gifts, again proving it’s not all about the gifts.
I want to thank everyone who supported HFGB one way or another. Whether you sponsored a family or individual, volunteered to organize or deliver the gifts, sent a financial donation, or publicized the program, please know your help was most appreciated!
Thank you to United Lutheran Church for graciously allowing HGFB to take over the church for a week. Thank you to Oak Park Township for financial support, to River Forest Township for office space and to the staff at the River Forest Community Center for making HFGB feel so welcome.
A big thank you to my volunteer “staff” for all the behind-the-scenes help. Finally, I want to especially thank Valerie Woods and Mary Jane Welter for sharing their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the program. I am grateful for the personal support they have given me in my new role.
Best wishes to all for a wonderful 2012!
Patty Henek
Holiday Food and Gift Basket Coordinator
holidaybasket@hotmail.com