Community Impact

L&F volunteers honored in community

At Loaves & Fishes, we are privileged to work alongside many talented individuals who put in countless hours to make a difference in our community. This month, Jim & Patrice Lia, who received the Fireball Award in November from Loaves & Fishes, were named Volunteers of the Month by Naperville Bank & Trust. “When first… Read more »


Celebration of Compassion recognizes distinguished service of volunteers and supporters

[imagebrowser id=8]On November 8th, Loaves & Fishes held the Celebration of Compassion at the Celebration Community Life Center in Naperville to announce this year’s honorees. Guests included major supporters as well as volunteers who donated more than 100 hours of time during the year ended June 30th. Charles McLimans presented the awards, donated by John… Read more »


HOPE holiday meals create lasting memories for L&F clients

When you think about Thanksgiving, what comes to mind? Is it an image of a perfectly roasted golden turkey surrounded by your favorite side dishes on the dinner table? Is it the smell of a luscious pumpkin pie being pulled from the oven? Is it the sound of laughter as your loved ones enjoy the… Read more »


Food stamp cuts may result in more L&F clients

November is here, which unfortunately means drastic cuts to food stamp benefits. According to USA Today, “a family of four that gets $668 per month in benefits will find that amount cut by $36…Vulnerable populations [such as the elderly and children] will be hardest hit by the cuts.” How will this affect individuals in our… Read more »


We’ve got spirit, yes we do, Halloween spirit, ghosts say BOO!

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In Mississippi, the infamous Chupacabra has made reported appearances. In Rhode Island, a snowman is terrorizing pedestrians. At Loaves & Fishes, we have had the pleasure of seeing the spirit(s) of Halloween incarnated by our volunteers!


L&F child artists featured in 2014 calendar

“I am 10 years old. I like to help people. My favorite sport is swimming. My favorite subject in school is science. I would like to be a teacher when I grow up.” These are the words of Daniela, age 10, whose drawing, titled “People Helping Each Other,” is featured as the November artwork in… Read more »


Halloween initiative as sweet as candy

Thanks to Bob Fischer, president of the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation, for spreading the word about our Trick-or-Treat for Loaves & Fishes! Excerpt from The Naperville Sun: In the spirit of full disclosure, my annual candy forecast is never right. Every year there is more candy than kids. This could be a good thing for… Read more »


CROP Walk close to raising $50,000

We are grateful for all our friends who participated in the CROP Walk this year! Excerpt from Positively Naperville: The news has been With donations still being received and counted, the early tally for the 2013 Walk was close to $50,000. CROP Walk proceeds benefit those in need locally through the efforts of Loaves and… Read more »


Nurturing Partnerships: Sharing the Spotlight

Excerpt from “Your Cause Marketing Edge” blog: One of the key elements of successful partnerships is the ability to share the spotlight. As the struggle to stand out in a crowded field continues to grow, this trait is often overlooked. Workplace and industry competition are keen, so the pressure to achieve short-term recognition can sometimes… Read more »


“Yes We Can” Raises 8,919 pounds of Food

Special thanks to Sasha and Vaughn Lindstrom who initiated this incredible project and to Mayor George Pradel who helped rally the entire community around this effort. According to the Chicago Tribune: What began as a brother and sister competing to collect the most cans of soup now may become one of Naperville’s most successful food… Read more »