Kiwanis seek Donations for Holiday Food Drive

The Park Ridge Kiwanis Club is again working with Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 to provide holiday food baskets to families in need.

There are about 180 families in need throughout District 64 this year. The goal is to present a gift card for at least $100 to as many of those families as possible.

"It's not always so obvious, but there are many needy families within our school district community who will struggle to afford a special holiday meal this year," said District 64 Superintendent Eric Olson. "No child should go without, especially during the holidays. We are grateful to anyone contributing to this very worthwhile program."

Families are selected based on the Fee Waiver Policy / Evaluation used by District 64. Using the federal guidelines for low-income, families are eligible if they have an annual income of $27,729 for a family of three or $39,221 for a family of five.

The fundraiser will not include a dining event as in years past. Instead, the group is relying on all donations - either through its website: http://www.kiwanisPR.org, or directly to: Kiwanis Holiday Food Basket Fundraiser, c/o Frank Kaminski, 200 S. Vine, Park Ridge, IL 60068.

The number of families served will depend on the funds collected. If there are additional funds, the amount presented to each family could increase.

The gift card for Mariano's grocery store will have restrictions on what can be purchased; additionally, Mariano's will provide a coupon for a ham and pie as part of the basket.

The Kiwanis Foundation of Park Ridge is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code so contributions may be tax deductible.

The campaign will end on Monday, December 9 and Holiday Food Baskets will be distributed the week of December 16.