Midwest Territory staff members, led by General Vice President Steve Galloway, recently held their annual IAM H.E.L.P.S Community event at the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD).
The IAM Midwest Territory began the “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” initiative in the spring of 2017 to provide essential assistance to needy residents. H.E.L.P.S. stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing and Servicing.
At the GCFD, volunteers help with Repack sessions and Fresh Trucks. GCFD receives donated food in bulk, and volunteers are needed to “repack” that food into portions distributed at local partner agencies. Volunteer sessions occur at the GCFD warehouse on the city’s southwest side. Fresh Trucks are mobile food pantries that distribute food at locations across Chicago.
“During our volunteer time, we assisted in packaging bags of donated romaine lettuce to provide to families affected by food insecurity within Chicago,” said Galloway. “The GCFD provides for 800 partner sites in Cook County. In total, we assisted in packaging 5892 pounds of romaine lettuce, which helped to provide 8,193 meals. Food insecurity affects over 44 million people, including 13 million children, who experience food insecurity annually. I am proud of the Midwest Territory staff and spouses for the volunteer effort helping families in need.”