YHOP is over the TOP…Raising over $111,000

For the Palatine Township Food Pantry!

Youth Hunger Opposition in Palatine (YHOP) was conceived and is led by Fremd High School senior Kellie Kinsella.  It is an organization comprised of students from Fremd and Palatine High Schools, and area church youth groups working together for a common goal of establishing and building an ongoing dedicated account to generate funding for the Palatine Township Food Pantry.   

Who would think that within six months, youth could lead a community to donate $111,000 to the Township Food Pantry to help feed our neighbors in need?

This community-wide effort is comprised of support from generous private donors, businesses, churches, school activities, dinner dances and other special events.  “There are too many families in this area who struggle to feed their children,” said Kellie Kinsella.  “We want to make a material difference, eliminating cyclical shortages, while also giving the Township the ability to plan and expand the Township Food Pantry for the future.”

The Township will use the YHOP Fund, restricted for the Food Pantry, to reduce cash shortages, delve into expansion opportunities, and provide food without interruption for the over 180 families served every month.  “We should all be impressed and thankful to the students involved in YHOP for their recognition of a local need and their dedicated response to eliminate hunger in our own community.  Certainly, YHOP exemplifies what is best in our Township:  the enthusiasm and energy of youth igniting all ages to rally around a common cause,” said Supervisor Linda Fleming.

However, their work and our work, does not end here. YHOP is continuing and beginning a new fundraising year to fulfill their mission.  At the end of this school year the baton of leadership will be passed from Kellie Kinsella to Kathy Wischhusen, a senior at Palatine High School next year.  The Township Food Pantry Advisory Committee has met for the past year and will continue to meet to assess and measure our community needs and vision the Food Pantry’s future role. 

…the blessing and challenge continue!

Visit www.YHOP.org to learn about future YHOP events and activities.