2025 CAI-Illinois Food & Paper Goods Drive Provides Over 20,000 Meals
By Mandy Manalli, Celtic Restoration Group, Inc. CAI-Illinois Community Relations Committee VP, Sales
The 2025 CAI-Illinois Food and Paper Goods Drive organized by the Community Relations Committee and the Golf Committee shattered all expectations, collecting 12 boxes of in- kind donations and raising $2,400 in monetary contributions—resulting in over 20,000 meals provided to local families in need. This year’s initiative tripled our original goal of 7,000 meals, making it the most successful drive in the event’s history.
Proudly sponsored by CELTIC Restoration Group and Itasca Bank, this annual effort brought the community together in a powerful show of generosity. All donations benefited three remarkable organizations making a daily impact on food insecurity and housing instability:
The Township of Schaumburg Welfare Services provides financial support, referrals, and guidance to residents experiencing hardship, helping them meet critical needs and achieve long-term self-sufficiency. A vital part of their mission is the client- choice food pantry, which serves over 1,300 households monthly. Stocked with fresh
produce, meats, dairy, frozen items, dry goods, and hygiene products, no one leaves hungry. The pantry is open to all Schaumburg Township residents in need.
Learn more about the Schamburg Township Food Pantry:
https://schaumburgtownship.org/services/ food-pantry/
Since 1992, Housing Forward has worked to transition individuals from housing crisis to stability. Originally launched by a group of congregations offering emergency shelter, the organization has grown into a recognized leader in
suburban Cook County, serving 26 communities. Their wrap-around services—from financial support and crisis intervention to permanent housing—aim to prevent homelessness before it begins and to stabilize those already affected.
Learn more about Housing Forward:
https://www.housingforward.org/about-us 14 | COMMON INTEREST® • Fall 2025 • A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
