St. Joseph School students began their Halloween fun with an afternoon costume parade by the younger grades followed by classroom parties. Volunteer parents, teachers and students all shared in the enjoyment with projects and treats to satisfy every child. Heading home with an abundance of energy, parents took over with parties and door to door trick-or-treating. At days end, children enjoyed the tradition of counting and comparing their stash of candy. Most children sort and separate their favorites.

That is where the St. Joseph third graders come into play. Continuing their annual tradition, third graders collect the excess candies from school families, then package them up in hand-decorated goodie bags created for those less fortunate. This school-wide project helps others and brings joy to those in need, while students learn a little more about compassion as they donate their tasty treats.

Two charities supported in the past have been St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry and the Guardian Angel Community of Joliet.

Food pantries throughout the area take donations and are always looking for volunteers. If you would like to donate your excess candy or food for the upcoming holidays, the food pantries are happy to receive your generous donations. Here are just a few of the area food pantries.

St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry located at St. Joseph Church at Main St & Prairie Ave, Downers Grove. The food pantry accepts food donations in the church narthex during weekly Mass times, or through the Parish Center at 4824 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove. Hours for drop off are Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. or Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, go to http://www.stjosephdg.org.

FISH Food Pantry maintains a free food pantry and clothes closet in the basement of the Downers Grove Township building at 4340 Prince Street in Downers Grove. Their normal hours are Monday and Friday mornings from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Donations of food and clothes are accepted during these hours or a pick up by a FISH van can be scheduled. Items are also collected at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on the first Sunday of every month. Look for the FISH box in the narthex to deposit your contributions. For more information, go to http://www.dgfish.org/

West Suburban Community Pantry is located at 6809 Hobson Valley Drive, Unit 118, Woodridge. Donations may be dropped off at the Pantry Monday – Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you have a large donation, please contact the Pantry at 630.512.9921 to schedule an appointment. For more information, go to http://www.wcpinc.org/.

For information on the Guardian Angel Community of Joliet, go to http://www.guardianangelhome.org/