The Illinois Credit Union System (ICUS) helped those in need during the 2022 holiday season with donations totaling $15,000 for area food pantries. 

ICUS employees presented $1,000 checks to food pantries all over the state of Illinois (and one in Florida) to help alleviate ongoing hunger challenges affecting many today in local communities. 

These food banks were recipients of checks from ICUS staff: 

• Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry (Batavia)
• The Outreach House (Lombard)
• Glen Ellyn Food Pantry (Glen Ellyn)
• Glen-Ed Pantry (Edwardsville)
• Messengers of Hope (Odessa, FL)
• Between Friends Food Pantry of Sugar Grove
• Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry (Aurora)
• Loaves & Fishes (Naperville)
• Hope and Friendship (Lemont)
• Northern IL Food Bank in Geneva
• Kendall Country Community Food Pantry (Yorkville)
• St. John’s Breadline (Springfield)
• COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
• Plainfield Food Pantry (Plainfield)
• Frankfort Township Food Pantry (Frankfort)

“Gifts to Northern Illinois Food Bank support access to nutritious groceries and helps our network and programs fulfill our vision of everyone in Northern Illinois having the food they need to thrive”, said Jenny Ackerman, development officer of corporation and foundation giving at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. “We’re all neighbors whether we are asking for help or have help to give.” 

The ICUS group responsible for the donations was an internal Commit to Change (CTC) team. The mission of CTC is to be change agents for diversity, equity, and inclusion by dedicating time and resources to elevate marginalized and disenfranchised people. 

“I was thrilled our DEI group wanted to contribute unspent budgeted funds to deserving food pantries in the communities where we live”, stated ICUS President/CEO Tom Kane.  “It literally brings home the message that we have neighbors in need and the Illinois League and business subsidiary Envisant are proud to help in any way we can.”