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Wauconda-Island Lake Food Pantry By Josh Van Dyke |
Visually the Wauconda-Island Lake food pantry doesn't stand out. For cars passing by the only hint of its existence is a small section of the sign in front of the large white building at 100 N Main St. Those who wish to drop by then must go to the rear section of the building's parking lot. In that somewhat isolated corner there are two new signs on the building used as a police station years ago.
One of the signs simply lists the operational hours of the pantry--10 am to 12 pm Monday through Saturday, 4:30 to 6 pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays-- and another, small and plain, asks that food not be left outside. Opening the door leads to a section of the building that is like a warehouse; other than several chairs and a table where a volunteer--no one is paid to help at the food pantry---can sit, fill paperwork, and welcome people.
Whether the contents of the shelves are impressive is a matter of opinion. To most people there may not be anything noteworthy about the different items stored, other than the fact that they are well organized and packed, with row after row of cans of soup, boxes of baking mix, and other ingredients for meals.
But to many visitors--those who have been hit hard by the economy, elderly with financial challenges, and others--the objects can be what allows them to keep going and avoid malnutrition, the difference between "barely getting by" and not getting by. The people who need those foods, called "customers" by the food pantry even though recipients do not have to pay for the food, come from a variety of backgrounds.
"We've got people that never imagined they'd need your help," said Marge Rucker, president of the food pantry.
Having volunteered for about 9 or 10 years, she believes that those who come are truly in need, saying that customers are often embarrassed that they need the help. The identities of customers are kept secret out of consideration for their privacy, but the pantry does keep track of who comes and goes: there are over 200 households served by the pantry, with the number per month varying a bit.
The pantry is run by about 20 to 30 “regulars,” who are responsible for storing new donations, helping customers get food to their vehicle, and keeping the cluster of rooms clean. The staff consists entirely of volunteers, just as it has for the 27 years the pantry has existed.
“I love coming here,” said Katie Johnson, a junior at Carmel High School, of helping at the pantry. She said that she likes seeing individuals donate and that it gives her a large perspective on her own life. “It makes me appreciate what I have and what my parents do for me that much more.”
The pantry was formed by members of the community, with the founding member being Father Al Leveridge of the Church of the Holy Apostles. The pantry is not governed by the Wauconda township or village, though the space they use is rented from the village for a small token amount.
However, the pantry’s independence can bring uncertainty to whether it can bring people what they need. The people there are never sure what resources will come in until they arrive, though a larger number of donations is seen during the winter holidays.
Another problem is the fact that some items are common while others are rare. Several shelves are filled by cans of soup while shampoo and toothpaste are rarely seen. While the former is important, Rucker said that the latter two items are also important to any household.
But she also said that she is concerned that some who are in need aren’t reaching for help due to fear of embarrassment. She said that customers don’t have to worry about their names being given out due to this concern, and the pantry staff encourages those who need help to come in.
“If you need help, we’re here to help,” said Johnson with a smile. “There is privacy.”
The Wauconda-Island Lake food pantry can be contacted at 847-526-8684.