The Greater Chicago Food Depository served as a unifying force on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, bringing together young volunteers from rival Chicago baseball teams, the Cubs and White Sox, for a common cause: fighting hunger. Nearly 150 youth participants from the Cubs Charities Nike RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program dedicated their morning to packing pasta and apples into family-sized packages for distribution to those in need.
The afternoon shift saw continued efforts from volunteers representing the Chicago White Sox ACE (Amateur City Elite) program, the Mayor’s Youth Commission, the Obama Foundation, and ComEd. These diverse groups worked side-by-side to further the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s mission of addressing food insecurity throughout Chicago and Cook County.
“It means a lot being here on a day known for non-violence and giving back,” remarked Dan Tucker of The White Sox ACE program, which focuses on increasing Black youth participation in baseball while providing mentorship and guidance for success both on and off the field. The sentiment of giving back resonated deeply with the volunteers, highlighting the spirit of community service embodied by Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository’s MLK Day of Service provided a platform for young people to make a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors facing food insecurity. Ellis Alexander, a 17-year-old catcher with the Cubs Charities’ Nike RBI civic engagement program, expressed the significance of the day: “It’s great to be here hanging with the team and doing something for the community. On MLK Day, this is something special.” Alexander, whose grandfather played in the Negro Leagues, proudly carries on a legacy of service and community engagement.
The food packaged by these dedicated volunteers was swiftly distributed through the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s extensive network of over 800 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other partner programs across Chicago and Cook County. This network ensures that the food reaches those who need it most, effectively combating hunger and food insecurity in the region. The collaborative efforts of volunteers and the Greater Chicago Food Depository exemplify the power of community action in addressing critical social issues.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository continues to rely on the support of volunteers to carry out its mission. Individuals and organizations interested in participating in repacking sessions or other volunteer opportunities can find information on the Greater Chicago Food Depository website. The organization’s commitment to ending hunger relies heavily on the dedication and generosity of its volunteers.
