Miracle at Union Station

The holiday season is a particularly busy few months at the Greater Chicago Food Depository and our 650 member food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. But no matter how busy it gets, there is always something that reminds us of why we do what we do. It could be speaking with a family that will have a holiday meal because of a local pantry; a thank you note from a supporter; or the dedication of our volunteers. Last Tuesday, Food Depository staff and volunteers witnessed another truly amazing movement to end hunger in our community during our first-ever Union Station Food Drive.

Food Depository volunteers help assemble the collection bags for the Union Station Food Drive.

Through a partnership with BOMA, Food Depository staff and volunteers had the opportunity to distribute paper grocery bags during the Monday evening rush-hour on Dec. 13. The bags included a simple instruction sheet with most-needed food items. Commuters were asked to fill the bags and return them the next morning.

The response was astounding. In a matter of hours, the Food Depository had collected more than 6,000 pounds of food, making the Union Station Food Drive one of the most substantial collections of the year.

The Food Depository collected more than 6,000 in a matter of hours at Union Station on Dec. 14.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible—especially everyone who donated. Watch as One City, One Food Drive partner Fox Chicago was there to capture the action.

If you missed the Union Station Food Drive, it's never too late to organize one of your own! Visit www.every1can.org to get started.