Community Outreach Programs

Outreach programs are a vital community service, provided by the Township.  The following programs are administered and coordinated by the Township to help local families who qualify for services.  Donations and volunteer support are welcomed throughout the year.

The following outreach programs are available to residents of Palatine Township, if they meet the required qualifications.

Needy Family Fund: This not-for-profit plan funded by private, tax-deductible contributions assists residents with emergency payments for rent, utilities, prescriptions, and essential items that cannot be funded through the General Assistance operating budget.  Donations to the Needy Family Fund are accepted year round (The Needy Family Fund is 501(C) (3) tax-deductible fund)

Market Day: Palatine Township coordinates with District 15 schools for participation in their Market Day Program.  The schools select a month to support the pantry through Market Day, and the Township helps select the items.  Supporters of Market Day are given the opportunity to purchase items to be donated to the Palatine Township Food Pantry.  Everyone wins in this program.  The school raises money, Palatine Township receives frozen food to be distributed through the Pantry Program and the pantry recipients receive quality food items.

Spring Basket Program & Spring Party:  This program provides low-income children, age 12 and under, with baskets of small toys and edible treats.  The children are invited to a party where they will have the opportunity to play games, make arts and crafts, enjoy treats, and visit with “The Bunny.”  In addition, grocery store gift cards are distributed to the families so that they can purchase ingredients to prepare a special holiday meal.  In 2009, 221 children received baskets.  Donors are needed to make baskets and supply gift cards; check the website in February for detailed program guidelines.

The Apple Tree Campaign:  This back-to-school program is designed to assist local needy children with new school supplies, from pencils and erasers to backpacks.  Again in 2008, we were able to provide all 1,200 needy children with backpacks filled with required school supplies.   The collection of school supplies takes place during July, with distributions during the first two weeks of August.

In June 2000, The Apple Tree Campaign received a First Place Award in the Governor’s Home Town Award Program.  This prestigious statewide award recognizes  community programs that have a positive impact on the community.

Thanksgiving Program:  Generous individuals, schools, businesses and other groups assemble and donate food baskets that contain all of the non-perishable items needed to fix a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  The basket also contains a gift certificate, so that a turkey and fresh produce can be purchased!  In 2008, 380 baskets were distributed to local families in need. 

Adopt-A-Family Program:  This holiday program matches families in need with donors who provide new toys, clothing and food to the families during the holiday season.  Typically over 500 families are “adopted” by individuals, families, businesses, church groups, schools, civic groups and clubs.  This program continues to grow through community involvement.  In 2008, 370 families received holiday gifts through this community event.

The Adopt-A-Family Program was a First Place Award recipient of the Governor’s Home Town Award in 1995.

To participate in adopting a family, please contact the Township Coordinator of Community Outreach beginning October 1.  Distribution of gifts takes place the second week of December.

Angel Trees Program:  This program provides holiday gifts to low-income and disabled children and senior citizens in our township.  The gifts are provided by donors who select an “Angel” from one of the “Angel Trees” that are set-up in the Township lobby beginning in early November.  Donors purchase, wrap, and return the gifts to the Township to be distributed in mid-December.  During 2008, 555 low-income children and senior citizens received gifts through the Angel Tree Program.   Guidelines for this program will be posted later in the year.

The Palatine Township Food Pantry is a source of nutrition that serves senior citizens, the disabled and low-income families and individuals with non-perishable food on a monthly basis.  Presently, The Pantry is assisting approximately 230 families a month.  Most of the food in the Pantry comes from donations by individuals and food drives sponsored by schools, churches, civic groups, and businesses.  Food drives are always needed to keep the Pantry shelves stocked.  For creative food drive ideas click here.  The demand for food from the Palatine Township Food Pantry goes on all year, and we gratefully accept all donations.  At this time, we are particularly low on the following items:  Tomato Products (e.g., Canned Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, and Tomato Paste), Spaghetti Sauce, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Crackers, Cereal, Jell-O, Oatmeal and Muffin/Cake Mix, Rice, Macaroni & Cheese, Tuna Fish, Canned Fruit and Vegetables.

For further information about our Food Pantry, please the Coordinator, Laura Hoover, at 847-358-6121.