Thank You! CAN DO Community Challenge a Success!

Published on May 25, 2016

All donations for the CAN DO Community Challenge have been accounted for and we are pleased to announce that we have met our 100,000 goal, securing the $25,000 match from the Challenge Corps.

This year 100% of Oak Park and River Forest public schools participated in the challenge, competing for a chance at the CAN DO Community Challenge trophy. Schools participating in the Challenge – 16 in total – held food drives, aiming to raise the most.

The Challenge winner was determined a point system:

10 points for donated dollars (for every $1 donated, the Pantry can purchase $9 worth of food)
5 points for “high powered” items (canned meat (tuna, chicken, salmon), peanut butter, beans, plain oatmeal, brown rice, beef stew and whole wheat pasta)
1 point was awarded for every other item donated

Overall, the schools raised 127,394 points, more than double last year’s total of 58,517. Brooks Middle School won the competition with 33,037 points. Julian Middle School, Holmes Elementary School, Mann Elementary School and Whittier Elementary School round out the top 5.

The Challenge also received incredible support from congregations, businesses, congregations, and individuals.

On behalf of those struggling with hunger in our community, THANK YOU for every can of tuna, box of cereal, and dollar donated.