By Evan Summers/Contributing writer
Unknown to many North Central College students, the building where The Union takes place often serves as a beacon of hope for those in need within the surrounding community.
On many Friday nights throughout the school year, 129 W. Benton St. is frequently home to various concerts, showcases and gatherings for North Central students. The walls are adorned with signed posters from bands, there is a flashing sign in front that proclaims “The Union” and the stage even has The Union’s symbol painted on the wall.
However, the real action takes place on Thursday mornings. Each week, The Union quickly fades into a food and clothing pantry for local members of the community. The pantry is run by Calvary Church of Naperville, in partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
According to Keri Rainer, a food pantry volunteer, “each Thursday the doors open at 9 a.m., even though many families arrive much earlier than that to secure their place in line. Once there, each family gets a number and waits to be called on to check in.”
The pantry serves approximately 50 families from the Naperville area each week. However, the need within the community is much greater than that. According to the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Annual Report, one in five kids in northern Illinois is at risk of hunger. The food pantry seeks to diminish this number by providing food to as many families as possible. This means that families are limited in the number of times they may attend each month.
Rainer goes on to explain the events of a typical Thursday, “Families slowly get called to go to the basement where they receive a bag to collect clothes in. They get a box full of pantry and frozen items as well as fresh items like fruits, veggies and yogurt. After a family collects all of their items, a volunteer helps to carry everything to their car.”
Since the pantry is run by Calvary Church of Naperville, there are also prayer counselors available to the families if they desire.
According to Shannon Sullivan, a Calvary Church administrator, “The need is much larger than the means. North Central students are such a part of the community, and the community would love their help.”
Students could help by donating any unwanted clothing, hosting a food drive, or by giving their time to help carry boxes, check-in families and help with childcare.
