From the Director’s Desk

Luke 6:20-21 – “Then looking up at His disciples, He said: Blessed are you who are poor, because the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are hungry now, because you will be filled…”

Each morning at COOL, staff and volunteers prepare for those who come looking to them daily for food for their families. Breads are sorted and bagged, boxes are filled, shelves are stocked and ..donations arrive. With each donation we give thanks at COOL. We are thankful for every item, each can, every box and every loaf “He” has provided through your helping hands.

Here at COOL we witnessed the devastation of our community by severe storms causing power outages and food losses for many families who were already struggling. Businesses all around COOL were without power for several days. Yet the COOL Food Pantry in Waukegan never lost power and continued serving those who needed help throughout the crisis. The power at Pantry West in Ingleside did go out, but not during business hours, and it came back on long before any of our freezers began to thaw. At COOL housing, one home did lose power, but it just happened to be vacant that week.

As we prepare for a long winter, we are grateful for our church partners, for every donor, the grants we are awarded, and every gift we receive. We are thankful for each volunteer who gives their time at COOL Pantries and at COOL Family Housing.

We have witnessed firsthand His blessings on this ministry. Though we face a difficult economy, made worse by an increasing need for our services, we have faith that this ministry is blessed as we look forward to each day with joy and hope in the knowledge that this is God’s work.

Thank you for all that you do!

Diane Thackston
Executive Director