Earlier this year, Loaves & Fishes Community Services, based in Naperville, announced the acquisition of a warehouse distribution building to serve as its new hub, at 580 Exchange Court in Aurora. The project will substantially increase the number of families served, expand the geographic service area, and provide omni-channel distribution for clients.
To support the new initiative, Loaves & Fishes began a capital campaign, “Building for Lasting Impact,” to help provide funds for the new building’s acquisition and renovation costs. The first phase of the campaign included the sale of “Building Blocks” which sold out. Now the organization is inviting participation in the next phase of the campaign, “Faces of Compassion.”
Donors who contribute $250 or more are encouraged to submit a photo or photos that will be part of an expansive Faces of Compassion collage wall in the new building. The photo could be of the donors or family members.
“Our new hub facility makes it possible for us to serve so many more families,” said Mike Havala, president/CEO of Loaves & Fishes. “We are focused on providing healthy foods and the large drive-in refrigerator/freezer rooms in the building allow us to significantly expand the amount of healthy food we can distribute.”
Renovation of the new hub facility is under way, and it is targeted to be fully operational in the Fall. The total cost of the project is expected to be approximately $3.3 million. Loaves & Fishes is serving nearly 1,000 families a week with grocery assistance and impactful programs for self-sufficiency. The new hub facility will allow Loaves & Fishes to serve nearly three times the number of families and significantly reduce the cost to serve each family.
“The Faces of Compassion Wall in the new building reflects the compassion and generosity of our community,” said Nancy Wiersum, executive vice president advancement of Loaves & Fishes. “Every day, it will serve as a reminder of the many people who are making a difference.”
For additional information about this project or if you wish to be part of the Faces of Compassion Wall, please visit loaves-fishes.org.
—Loaves & Fishes Community Services