Southwest Center and Blue Island Neighborhood Network distribute food and PPE for the holidays

Our Southwest Center, the Blue Island Robbins Neighborhood Network, and other community partners in the southwest suburbs are “United for the Holidays!”

For the second year running, organizations in the area distributed food boxes, PPE, and gift bags at our “United for the Holidays” event with United Way of Metropolitan Chicago.

We distributed 600 food boxes – 300 in Blue Island and 300 in Robbins – along with gift bags full of items generously donated by the United Way’s community of supporters.

“Due to the continued effect of COVID-19 in our communities, this event gave food to community members who are dealing with several issues including the rising prices of food which is an issue in underserved communities,” shared BIRNN Network Coordinator Kentric Benson. “We teamed up with United Way of Metropolitan Chicago to help families who are struggling, to help place a little more food on the table for their families this holiday season.”

We’re grateful for the efforts of our partners! The John Rita Rec Center and its Director of Facility, Bob Jackson, hosted us in Blue Island; the Robbins Park District and its President, Andrea Roberson, hosted us in Robbins. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois distributed PPE supplies in both communities, helping keep our neighbors safe. Special thank you to our volunteers, who made it all possible!

“It is good to see the collaboration of these non-profits work together to make a meaningful impact in these south suburban communities,” Kentric shares.