In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic was well underway in 2020, causing an already uphill battle with poverty and hunger. The organization went from serving 300 households in a month to serving 800 basically overnight.
When the Wolves learned about Common Pantry’s mission, it was a no-brainer to get involved. Wolves owner Don Levin graciously delivered a $50,000 donation to help accelerate its future vision. The Wolves became the single largest unsolicited corporate donor Common Pantry had ever had since its inception in 1967.
The Wolves also host yearly food drives during their home games in November when they encourage fans to bring and donate non-perishable food items to support Common Pantry.
From 2021-24, the Wolves have donated over 2300 pounds of food.
“We did quite a bit of research to find organizations that support food insecurities, and Common Pantry was a perfect fit,” Courtney Mahoney, Wolves President of Operations, said. “They are so dedicated to their community and you can see the impact they have immediately. Not only is it in the amount of meals and food they are providing, but the camaraderie, the care and the dedication they have to their clients is very inspirational. We are proud to be supporters and so proud of our fans and how much they have supported them as well through our endeavors.”
In 2021, with the help of state funding, Common Pantry purchased a new building three blocks from the church.
The new facility is a 3,500-square foot space that is not only 2,000 square feet larger than the space they were operating in pre-COVID-19, but also includes a large dining room, commercial-grade kitchen, outdoor area and a room for volunteers who power the pantry’s operation.
“This was extremely significant to our vision,” O’Conor said. “It was right at the beginning of COVID-19 and it was a time where we knew we needed to fill various buckets of income, so we couldn’t just concentrate on the same people who write checks as individuals every year. We needed to be a priority for corporations that were looking to move the needle on health equity through food, and the Wolves provided a huge donation at a really critical time.
“People feel protected here,” she added. “People feel like they can trust us when they’re at their best, and celebrate that, and then come to us when they’re at their worst. And know that while we may not be able to solve their problem, we’ll at least be able to provide something to…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Chicago Wolves…