Last year we invited people to purchase figurative Building Blocks to support our new Food Distribution Hub in Aurora. It is very inspiring to walk down the Hall of Mission, Vision, and Values and see all the Building Blocks with names on them. The blocks proved to be so popular that we are adding an additional wall so you, too, can be a part of this exciting project.
The facility has been a true “hub of activity” since opening in October. Volunteers are already busy with the many tasks needed to process the food. This is where all the donated food comes to be sorted, stored, or prepared for distribution to families in need. The hallmark of the Hub is the 38,000 cubic feet of cold storage. The giant refrigerator and freezer are fork-lift ready to receive healthy items such as fruits and vegetables, or frozen fish or meat.
The Food Distribution Hub makes it possible for us to serve nearly three times the number of people, expand our geographic service area to four Counties, serve significantly more healthy food, and provide several ways for clients to receive their food. Clients can still shop in our grocery market in our Naperville building. Curbside pick-up is available at the Hub. And our online ordering option will be up and running this month.
All of this is supported by our Building Blocks. Thanks to a generous challenge gift from the Gustafson Family Foundation Fund of DuPage Foundation, your dollars will be matched. People have been very creative with the names that they have chosen to go on the blocks. One group of volunteers went together for one and all their names are on it; others proudly displayed their family name; there are businesses that participated; some blocks are in memory of a special person, and there is even a beloved pet represented.
The figurative building blocks are providing vital support for this transformative project. Not to worry if you missed out before, you can still be a part of it. The impact you make lasts for generations to come.
