Way back in 2017, while driving to breakfast after Church, our son (Aiden) said he wanted to help others who didn't have as much food as us. They had just learned about God's Global Barnyard at Church so he wanted to raise money to "buy a farm"! Our daughter (Ashley) piped in and said she wanted to help people too. That year Aiden raised over $500 for God's Global Barnyard and did indeed help "buy a farm"! Ashley held a local neighborhood food drive that same year and collected food for West Suburban Food Pantry. They really enjoyed collecting the donations and we could tell that they were proud of what they were doing. When we dropped off the food donations, West Suburban Community Pantry gave them a tour of their facilities and our kids walked out saying they were going to do it again the following year. Since that time they decided to join forces and named their food drive A + Food Drive. A + stands for Ashley plus Aiden and also for food plus toys. They have since opened up their request to include food and new toy donations. Our kids experienced first hand the warmth of the community as they supported our kids in their mission and the pure joy of helping others in need. 

Their fall event includes hosting a hot cocoa and treat stand. Free hot cocoa and treats for anyone who brings a canned good item or new toy. They also have a container on our front porch (4631 Prospect Ave, Downers Grove IL 60515) during our drop off period for anyone who would like to drop off food and/or toys. We are grateful for our children who show us each day how easy it is to love others. We are very proud of this Thanksgiving tradition that our children created on their own and thankful for our community who continue to support them.

OUR 2024 EVENT IS BEING HELD SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH FROM 3PM-5PM

All Food Donations go to the West Suburban Community Pantry AND the Clifton Community Food Pantry

Monetary gifts are divided amongst the food pantry and our other favorite charities below