ELGIN ROTARY HELPS TO RESTOCK FOOD PANTRIES

Three area organizations receive $1,000 each The Rotary Club of Elgin is stepping forward to help area social service agencies in restocking their food pantries by donating $1,000 each to: All People's Interfaith Food Pantry, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin The Salvation Army, 316 Douglas Ave., Elgin Centro de Informacion, 28 N. Grove Ave., Elgin "There has been a huge increase in demand for food in Elgin during these tough economic times," said Paris Donehoo, president of the Rotary Club of Elgin. "We know that these donations will help ensure families have food during the holidays," he added. Locally, the Salvation Army has seen a 43 percent increase in the number of families requesting food assistance. According to Ken Nicolai of the Salvation Army, "Families on the fringe are experiencing difficulties with rising food and gas prices." The All People's Interfaith Food Pantry has also seen an increase in the number of families being served, from 175 families in March 2007 to 211 families in March 2008. The need is expected to rise further this holiday season. "The Elgin-area is not alone as food pantries across Illinois and the nation struggle to keep their shelves filled," according to Donehoo. "Our Rotary Club of Elgin is hopeful to make a difference with these donations, and we encourage others to remember the needs of our local food pantries," he said. Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders providing service, in our community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. The Elgin Noon Rotary Club, founded in 1922, has more than 60 local leaders meeting weekly.