Above / Thanks to a generous gift from the Frank J. Rus & Donald S. Toy Giving Fund, the flagship Naperville building for Loaves & Fishes has been named in their Honor. (Photo courtesy Loaves & Fishes Community Services)
Loaves & Fishes Community Services is celebrating the naming of their flagship Naperville building as the Frank J. Rus & Donald S. Toy Food Market & Resource Center in response to a generous gift from the Frank J. Rus & Donald S. Toy Giving Fund. The gift supports the programs and services offered by Loaves & Fishes, especially the food market which is serving a record number of families in need.
“I am happy to give a gift that makes such a difference in the lives of others and also honors Frank,” said Don Toy. “I know he would be very pleased to be able to help so many people.”
The late Frank J. Rus was a Naperville resident committed to his community and lauded for helping others in their time of need. Donald S. Toy worked with Rus for many years; Toy is known for believing in healthy communities and striving to make Naperville a positive and meaningful place for all families.
“This incredible gift is making such an impact,” added Mike Havala, President/CEO of Loaves & Fishes Community Services. “Thousands of people are served via our food market every week. We are very grateful for this tremendous support.”
The Loaves & Fishes Naperville building was opened in 2011 and houses the food market and programs for self-sufficiency. The administrative offices are there as well. The organization serves more than 8,000 people a week, which is more than double the number of people from the beginning of last year. The Loaves & Fishes service area consists of DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties, and provides several ways for families to receive their food.
Food is processed and stored at the Loaves & Fishes Linnea Eleanor Rutkowski Food Distribution Hub located at 580 Exchange Court in Aurora.
Loaves and Fishes Community Services since 1984
Loaves & Fishes Community Services is a registered 501(3) organization serving more than 8,000 people a week by providing healthy food and impactful programs for self-sufficiency. It is one of the largest food pantries in the state of Illinois. Clients receive a healthy variety of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and eggs. The Loaves & Fishes CARES programs help clients become self-sufficient through opportunities such as emergency assistance for rent or utilities, assistance with public benefits, car donations, tax preparation, job readiness, budget, and credit classes, and Moving Up, a 16-session intensive to help clients overcome barriers preventing them from becoming self-sufficient. Loaves & Fishes serves DuPage, Will, Kane, and Kendall counties.
Loaves & Fishes Grocery Market and administrative offices are located in Naperville, and their Food Distribution Hub is located in Aurora.
For more information, visit loaves-fishes.org.
For an overview of Loaves and Fishes food pantry history that dates back to St. Raphael Church and how the agency has grown since 2014 to provide additional community services and more, visit www.loaves-fishes.org/about/#.
