On Friday afternoon, the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry received a special delivery from a familiar community partner. More than 30 attorneys and staff from Lavelle Law arrived with cars and trucks full of food and essential items, ready to roll up their sleeves and help unload everything alongside Pantry staff.

The delivery marked another year of Lavelle Law’s Annual Food Drive, a tradition that began in 2017 and continues to bring the community together to support local households facing food insecurity. From bags and boxes of donated goods to pallets of food purchased specifically for the Pantry, the afternoon was a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to help its neighbors.

A tradition of giving back

Each year, the attorneys and staff at Lavelle Law organize, manage and support the Food Drive in preparation for the holiday season. Through their efforts, they collect donations from the community and raise funds to help the Township provide food and essential items to individuals and families who need assistance.

This year, Lavelle Law Charities, the charitable arm of Lavelle Law, contributed $10,000 to purchase food from Tony’s Fresh Market in Schaumburg. Tony’s generously discounted the items to help the Pantry get as much food as possible for that amount.

Lavelle Law Charities also raised and contributed an additional $16,730 for the Pantry to purchase more food and essential items throughout the year. Along with these financial contributions and the food purchased at Tony’s, Lavelle Law delivered carloads of community donations, including nonperishable food, diapers and other necessities.

Together, these contributions will help the Pantry continue serving the more than 1,400 households that rely on it each month.

Rising food costs mean every donation matters

While Friday’s delivery was a tremendous show of generosity, it also highlighted a growing challenge for the Food Pantry: rising food costs.

The $10,000 used to purchase food at Tony’s Fresh Market filled five pallets this year. Last year, that same amount purchased eight pallets. Although Tony’s discounted the items to help stretch the donation further, inflation continues to affect how much food the Pantry can purchase with each dollar.

The need for assistance is also growing. The Pantry typically serves more than 1,400 households each month, with demand increasing during the holiday season. In addition to providing pantry staples, the Township spends approximately $2,000 each week on fresh produce to help ensure clients have access to nutritious food.

Lavelle Law’s contributions will make a meaningful difference, but the Pantry needs continued support from the community to keep up with demand. Even a generous donation can only go so far when food and essential items cost more than they did a year ago.

Help keep the shelves stocked

The Township of Schaumburg is grateful to Lavelle Law, Lavelle Law Charities, Tony’s Fresh Market and every community member who contributed to this year’s Food Drive. Their continued commitment helps local families and individuals access the food and essentials they need.

There are many ways to support the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry throughout the year. Community members can donate nonperishable food and essential items, shop from the Pantry’s Amazon Wishlist or make a monetary contribution to help purchase food and supplies.

With more than 1,400 households relying on the Pantry each month, we need more donors than ever. Every contribution, large or small, helps keep shelves stocked and supports our neighbors when they need it most.

To learn more about donation options and how you can help, visit schaumburgtownship.org/services/food-pantry.

Lavelle Law attorneys and staff members present $16,730 check to the Township of Schaumburg Food Pantry.

Lavelle Law attorneys and staff members unload $10,000+ of donations for the Township of Schaumburg Food Pantry.

Lavelle Law attorneys and staff members unload $10,000+ of donations for the Township of Schaumburg Food Pantry.