The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry was host to its first “Party at the Pantry” Tuesday, April 23 during evening distribution hours. The goal of the event was to introduce new individuals to the Pantry’s mission and give them a hands-on volunteer experience.
The event was a huge success! Guests enjoyed a delicious meal from the famous “Alice’s Corner” which was generously sponsored by Gary and Angie Franchi of the Next News Network. They heard powerful testimony from two of our volunteers, Tony and Tom, about how serving individuals at the Pantry transforms volunteers from the inside out. Then, everybody went “down to the floor” to serve our neighbors! Every guest had an amazing time interacting with our neighbors, volunteers, and team! Many tears and laughs were shared during de-brief after service ended. Together, our guests served several hundred individuals and donated $1,700 to support the mission of the Pantry!
For our team, the best part of “Party at the Pantry” was getting to see individuals’ faces when they experienced, first hand, how powerful our mission is, how wonderful our neighbors are, and how the power of human connection can be as nourishing as food. We’re already planning our next event! So keep your eyes peeled for future opportunities to “Party at the Pantry.”
For more information and how to create volunteer contact Cat Battista at 630-692-3057 or cbattista@aurorafoodpantry.org.
— Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry