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Flossmoor Library and Park District Unite for a City-Wide Food Drive

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 14:53 GMT by Patch

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Flossmoor Library and Park District Join Forces for a Community‑Wide Food Drive

In a heart‑warming example of local collaboration, the Village of Flossmoor’s public library and its park district have partnered for a city‑wide food drive that is already showing signs of success. The initiative, which kicked off last week, invites residents of all ages to donate canned, boxed, and other non‑perishable foods to a local food bank, with the goal of supplying families in need with nutritious staples during the upcoming holiday season.

The Why and the Who

The partnership is an effort by the Village of Flossmoor to tackle food insecurity in its own backyard. According to the library’s Director, Jenna K. O’Donnell, “We’ve seen more families coming through our doors with a need for basic groceries. The park district’s volunteers have been instrumental in creating a seamless donation system that leverages the strengths of both institutions.”

The park district, headed by Superintendent Michael D. Heller, provides an expansive network of community venues where donation boxes can be placed. “It’s always a community event at the park district – from summer festivals to holiday markets. By adding the food drive to our schedule, we’re using those familiar spaces to serve our neighbors,” Heller says.

The drive is also part of a broader strategy by the Food Bank of the Greater Chicagoland (a partner organization that receives the bulk of the collected items). The Food Bank’s CEO, Rebecca Lin, stresses that “non‑perishables are the backbone of our emergency food kits, and a robust local drive means we can better support families who rely on us for meals.”

How the Drive Works

1. Drop‑off Points
   - Flossmoor Library (1129 N. Flossmoor) will host a dedicated donation bin for the entire month of December.
   - Several park district locations—such as the Flossmoor Recreational Center and Southwest Park—will also host drop‑off bins for a three‑week window from December 5th to December 24th.

2. What to Bring
   The Food Bank’s guidelines (linked on their website) recommend canned vegetables, canned fruits, boxed pasta, rice, peanut butter, and dried beans. “We’re looking for items that have a long shelf life and are easy to pack into grocery bags,” the Food Bank’s guide states.

3. Volunteer Coordination
   Library staff will manage the collection, ensuring each donation is recorded and transported to the Food Bank. Meanwhile, park district volunteers will oversee the organization of the bins and keep them stocked and labeled.

4. Community Outreach
   The library has posted a digital poster on its homepage (available at the library’s online portal) and on social media, encouraging students, parents, and local businesses to participate. “We’ve already seen two local businesses pledge to donate a truckload,” O’Donnell says.

Community Response and Early Success

Within just a few days of the drive’s launch, the library’s donation bin has already collected over 300 items, while the park district’s bins have received nearly 500 contributions. “The outpouring of generosity has been incredible,” says Heller. “It’s a reminder that even in a small town, we’re a big community when it comes to caring for one another.”

A local elementary school has joined the effort, organizing a “Food Drive Day” for its students. The school’s principal, Mr. Samuel G. Lee, hopes that the children’s participation will teach them the value of giving back. “We’re proud to see our kids learning to help, and we’re grateful to the library and park district for partnering with us,” Lee says.

The drive’s success is also being amplified by the library’s digital channels. The library’s official Facebook page (linked to their “Donate for Flossmoor” campaign) posted a short video featuring library patrons and park district employees explaining the importance of the drive. The library’s Twitter account has also been tweeting daily updates on donation totals and upcoming volunteer opportunities.

The Bigger Picture

While the immediate focus is on collecting non‑perishables for families in need, the Flossmoor Library and Park District are using this partnership as a springboard for future community initiatives. O’Donnell suggests that the library might host a “Nutrition Education Workshop” later in the year to help families make the most of the items they receive. “Education is just as important as supply,” she says.

In turn, Heller sees the park district’s involvement as a chance to foster greater community engagement in other programs, such as local health fairs and volunteer clean‑up days. “This food drive has shown us that when we come together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change,” he explains.

How You Can Get Involved

• Donate – Bring canned goods, boxed rice, or any dry food items to any of the drop‑off points listed above.
• Volunteer – Sign up as a library or park district volunteer through the Flossmoor Library volunteer portal or the Park District’s volunteer sign‑up page.
• Spread the Word – Share the campaign on social media, talk to neighbors, and encourage local businesses to contribute.
• Donate Money – Monetary donations to the Food Bank of the Greater Chicagoland can help them purchase additional food items on your behalf. More details can be found on the Food Bank’s donation page.

Looking Ahead

The Flossmoor Food Drive is a shining example of how community assets—like libraries and park districts—can be leveraged to meet pressing local needs. As the holiday season approaches, the partnership between these institutions is set to bring hope and nourishment to many families in the Village. If you’re in Flossmoor or the surrounding area, consider stopping by one of the donation sites, or simply share the news. Together, the community is making sure that no family in Flossmoor goes hungry this holiday season.