Questions or comments? Please feel free to email the volunteer department at volunteers@nourishinghopechi.org.

VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES

Dear volunteers,

Can you believe 2023 is almost over? This year we celebrated tremendous successes – such as raising a record $1 million at our annual gala, and receiving Northern Trust’s inaugural Anchor Award. We did this together, all while continuing to push through an increased need and unexpected challenges.

Nourishing Hope provided over 200,000 food and social services to Chicagoans in need – and you were a huge part of that work. You all dedicated over 85,000 volunteer hours so far in 2023!

We could not have done it without you, and we hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the impact you’ve made in the community.

Thank you again for your continued support. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy new year from all of us at Nourishing Hope!

RECURRING SCHEDULES

With the end of the year approaching, we are gearing up for our 2024 volunteer schedule. If you are interested in a recurring schedule for next year please contact volunteers@nourishinghopechi.org.

VOLUNTEER NEEDS

HOME DELIVERY DRIVERS NEEDED!

We could use your help delivering groceries!

Grab a car and reserve your 90-minute shift today. No car is too small, check out the photo evidence below! Email us today at volunteers@nourishinghopechi.org to get started.

HEADQUARTERS HEAVY LIFTERS

Skip the gym and lift at Headquarters! We are in need of heavy lifters Monday through Friday 8am-12pm at our Headquarters location (1716 W Hubbard). Shifts can be accessed on your personal volunteer site under the “Headquarters” volunteer programs and locations tab.

If you have any questions about these shifts, please contact v olunteers@nourishinghopechi.org and we are happy to answer them!

END OF YEAR SUPPORT

As we coast into the new year, please consider that our services have increased 25% in the last year to keep up with the community’s needs.

For every $1 donated, 3 meals can be served to a local family.

Please consider donating here if you have the means.

Give today

Plus, when you give today your donation will be matched, up to $25,000, thanks to the generosity of the Labkohn family!

HIGHLIGHTS AND STORIES

TOY DISTRIBUTION

Every year, Nourishing Hope is proud to offer a free toy distribution for our neighbors who are registered to receive food and social services.

Families and neighbors can shop the toy room and pick out toys for their children. The toy distribution kicks off with a festive toy drive event presented by the Babiarz family (pictured above) in honor of the late Vincent Babiarz. After collecting lots of toys, the toy distribution takes place for two weeks in December at Sheridan Market.

Some volunteers assist with the distribution year after year and we had the opportunity to chat with Lindsey A. and Julia S., two longtime toy distribution volunteers. They shared what makes this volunteer shift so special.

What made you decide to volunteer for the toy distribution?

Lindsey: It is such a special opportunity to volunteer in a meaningful way around the holidays. I look forward to it every year. It is wonderful to help the families and fun to meet new volunteers who also find joy in participating in this shift.

Julia: Serving the clients each week during the food distribution is rewarding and also humbling. The toy distribution is a joyous interaction with the clients and their children.

How have you seen the toy distribution change over the years?

Lindsey: It continues to grow due to the generosity of those supporting the pantry. There are so many more toys for those who come to Nourishing Hope!

Julia: I remember when it was held in the previous location in the basement. At that time, there were not as many clients and they were so grateful to have the opportunity to have toys for their children. I remember helping a couple fathers select toys for their children. They expressed how proud they were to have gifts for their children on Christmas morning.

What is your favorite part of the toy distribution?

Lindsey: When the children come with their parent or caregiver and select a toy. The joy on their faces really encapsulates the meaning of the holiday season.

Julia: It is so fun to see the smiles on the children’s faces when they walk into the room and see all the toys.

Check out our recent blog post for more details (and adorable photos!) from this year's toy distribution.

Many, many thanks to all who donated toys or helped with the toy distribution this year!

HOME DELIVERY NORTH WARD PARTNERSHIPS

This month, the Home Delivery North team collaborated with nearby wards in an effort to recruit more home delivery drivers.

The 47th ward brought nine drivers and the 49th ward brought six drivers across two weekends!

These additional drivers were extremely helpful and we were excited to offer an opportunity for our neighbors to engage with their community. Check out the photos below from the ward takeover days!

Do you have a community group or network that you'd like to recruit for a group driving day? Email us at volunteers@nourishinghopechi.org!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT — Julia Mendoza Valera

Julia Mendoza Varela joined Nourishing Hope as the Bilingual Volunteer Engagement Coordinator in December 2023.

Julia is originally from Mexico City and in September of 2022, she moved to Chicago to study at DePaul University for her master’s in Human Resources. She completed her degree in November 2023.

In her free time, Julia likes to go to museums and learn about art. She also enjoys searching for the best bakery in town. (And she’s always looking for recommendations!)

What is she enjoying most about working at Nourishing Hope? So far, it's having the opportunity to meet the team and volunteering at the toy distribution.

Welcome, Julia!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT — Carol C.

December’s volunteer spotlight is veteran volunteer Carol C., who has spent over 2,500 hours volunteering at Nourishing Hope!

Read more about Carol's story and passion for volunteering:

I started with the Pantry in November of 2017. I have always been a volunteer – either at my church, Salvation Army, or mentoring kids – so Lakeview Pantry/Nourishing Hope was a natural choice. I lived a fifteen minute walk away when the Pantry moved to the Sheridan Road Location; and the Salvation Army Corp that I was at closed.

The thing I enjoy most about volunteering is the feeling I get when I can make someone feel like it was worth it to come to the pantry. There is no shame in asking for help.

I'm retired, so for the days that I'm not at the pantry, I take classes with the Chicago Park District such as Mixed Media ,Ceramics, and Digital Photography. Also with the park, I am in a Senior Club and play online bingo.

(Pictured above are photos of some of Carol’s art pieces.)

Thank you, Carol, for your dedication!

SHOUTOUTS

Shoutout to Freddrika K. for organizing the Hub’s volunteer-take shelf
Shoutout to Helen A. for being a huge help on express shopping at Sherida
Shoutout to Mary M., Bambi H., and Jan T. for helping make Home Delivery Calls each week
Shoutout to Daniel L. for taking two Home Delivery routes when we were short a driver
Shoutout to Hub Heavy Lifters JC and Juan V. for helping us break down and put away an unexpected delivery. JC stayed 2 hours past his shift and Juan signed up for double shifts.