Community participation key to Holiday Food Drive in Aurora

Community Participation Boosts Aurora Holiday Food Drive

Aurora is currently hosting its 18th Holiday Food Drive to stock the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry ahead of Thanksgiving on November 26. This event aims to support families in need by providing complete Thanksgiving meals.

Thanksgiving Crisis Amid Federal Budget Cuts

This year, the pantry faced significant challenges due to federal budget reductions. Although they could afford to buy 900 turkeys for the meal boxes, they struggled to cover the cost of the necessary side dishes and trimmings.

Faith-Based Community Steps In

Katie Arko, the pantry's director, highlighted the funding gap for the meal accompaniments. Brandon Perrine, senior minister at New England Congregational Church, coordinated efforts among local churches to fill this gap by gathering donations of traditional Thanksgiving sides.

“We were the trimmings,” Perrine said.

Several congregations, including New England Congregational, St. John Neumann Catholic Church, New Hope Advent Christian Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, Temple B’Nai Israel, and Our Saviour Lutheran Church, committed to collecting enough trimmings to support 100 meal boxes.

Successful Fundraising and Food Collection

At the latest update, contributions from these churches, combined with $3,600 raised in donations, have exceeded the goal to fully fund more than 100 boxes. Perrine noted that the cost for trimmings per box is approximately $25.

“So we far exceeded it,” he said.

This collaboration ensures families will receive the full Thanksgiving meal they might otherwise miss.

Summary: Aurora's local faith community successfully bridged funding gaps to provide complete Thanksgiving meals for families in need during the 18th Holiday Food Drive, showcasing strong community support.

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Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune — 2025-11-07

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