‘Youth Hunger Opposition in Palatine’ Helps Feed Those In-Need

Since 2007, the Youth Hunger Opposition in Palatine (YHOP) has remained true to its mission of raising money for the Palatine Township Food Pantry to ensure the shelves remain stocked. 

The pantry serves roughly 250 in-need families every month, which represents about 1,000 people.

The non-profit organization was the idea of former Fremd High School student Kellie Kinsella, who learned the food pantry consistently runs low on food donations each summer. Kinsella now attends the University of Illinois in Champaign, but was a senior at Fremd when she came up with the idea to create YHOP.  

The mission of the organization was simple; to put a stop to the annual shortages at the food pantry through ongoing fundraising.

Each year, a new senior at Fremd is handed the torch to help carry on the organization’s goals.

“I think that people living in our area need to realize that hunger is an ongoing issue that needs ongoing attention,” said Elaine Stearney, the 2011-2012 YHOP director. 

Stearney says since its inception, YHOP has raised more than $200,000 – all of which was donated to Palatine Township to help replenish food supplies in addition to assisting with other needs of the food pantry.

Those included the purchase of freezers to store donated food, as well as buying a box truck to deliver supplies from the Greater Chicago Food Depository to Palatine Township.

“Food at the depository can be purchased for one-fifth of what normal prices are, so money donations can go five times further for the families who rely on the food pantry,” Stearney said.

Stearney began volunteering for the organization when she was in eighth grade, and was appointed assistant director at YHOP last year. 

She then was promoted to director at the beginning of this school year and will complete her term upon graduation, when an incoming senior volunteer will take her place. 

Students not only from Fremd, but Palatine High School, youth groups and middle schools have played an integral part in raising money for the cause over the last five years.

Fundraising events have included ‘Rock Against Hunger’ held at Durty Nellies in the Fall of 2010, numerous fund drives and bake sales held at high school football and basketball games.

The fist bake sale occurred during the Fremd homecoming game against Palatine High School on Sept. 28, 2007, where close to $10,000 was raised for the food pantry, according to Stearney.

An organization called Thrivent Financial for Lutherans also has played a significant role in fundraising efforts by pledging to match funds raised by YHOP at several previous bake sales.

The next fundraising event, also a bake sale, will be held during the Fremd High School basketball game against Barrington on February 17, 2012.

YHOP sponsors birthday party fundraisers too, where children can bring cash or checks in place of a gift which is earmarked for the food pantry. 

“While most of our fundraising is done by, and donations are received from young people, we are always looking for adults to help and area businesses to join in our mission,” Stearney said.

The Palatine Food Pantry is located in the Palatine Township building, 721 S. Quentin Road, and was established in 1970.

The township is bordered on the north by Lake Cook Road, on the east by Wilke Road, the south by Central Road and Freeman Road/Huntington Boulevard on the west. 

For more information or to make a donation to YHOP, visit their website or email Stearney at yhop.fund@gmail.com.