This is the eighth year that the Society of the Danube Swabians, 625 Seegers Road, Des Plaines, has sent car loads of donations to the Self Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines. On December 9, at their annual Christmas party, the Society welcomed Debra Walusiak, Executive Director of the Self Help Closet & Pantry.
President Eckhard Blaumueller of the Society of the Danube Swabians presented Walusiak with a donation of $3,500. Five hundred dollars of that amount was the proceeds of a November rummage sale held by the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Society to specifically raise funds for the Self Help Closet & Pantry. In addition to the monetary donation given to the Food Pantry, each child and teen from the Society's children and youth folkdance groups brought non-perishable food items, gift cards, and children’s books for families who are experiencing a time of need this holiday season.
Close to 500 items of non-perishable food was collected at the Christmas party, along with $1,200 worth of gift cards, and 48 children’s books. Many of the gift cards and books were selected by the children themselves to give to boys and girls their own age who may not otherwise receive a gift this holiday season.
The Society’s Board of Directors is very proud of its youth, because they have once again shared with families in their community who show a demonstrable need. Although the Christmas season brings in the greatest quantities of food items, the Society of the Danube Swabians collects non-perishable food all year long for the Self Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines.
