Palatine Township Food Pantry Accepts $1380 Donation from Street Fest and Mariano's

The Palatine Township Food Pantry recently received a $1,380 donation from a partnership between Mariano's Fresh Market and Downtown Palatine Street Fest. 

The funds were raised from $5 activity wristbands sold for the Kids' Zone at Street Fest at Mariano's. The goal was that 100 percent of the proceeds would benefit the food pantry.

A check was presented on Friday, November 16 at Mariano's by Store Director Larry Fugate to Palatine Township Supervisor Linda Fleming. Mayor Jim Schwantz also was present. 

"This donation is so helpful in us continuing to support those in-need in the township year-round, these funds will be put into our account and used when our monetary donations run low which inevitably happens" said Fleming.

Sam Trakas, Palatine assistant village manager who oversees Downtown Palatine Street Fest, said this type of donation is part of the community outreach that Street Fest has been built on. 

In addition to providing food at the food pantry for in-need residents of Palatine Township, Fleming said angel tree ornaments are still available as part of the Angel Tree Program this year. Click here for more information. 

The Palatine Township Food Pantry assists approximately 300 families/with 750 people in need every month.  These families come from all walks of life.  There are traditional families that have had temporary set backs due to lack of employment or illness; single parent families with one income that barely pays the rent and senior citizens who spend their entire retirement income on housing and medical care.  

Downtown Palatine Street Fest has been the premier suburban street festival since 2000. It features live music, local cuisine, family entertainment and activities over a 3 days in late August.