Saint Bede and Hawk Auto Partner to Fight Food Insecurity
Goldie Rapp
Throughout the year, Saint Bede Academy collects canned goods and other pantry staples to support local food pantries. During the Lenten season, the Academy will partner with Hawk Auto Group to help supply food for its annual Easter distribution to families in need across the Illinois Valley.
“Food insecurity is on the rise both nationally and locally,” said Fr. Dominic Garramone, OSB, Academy Chaplain. “Part of our mission at Saint Bede Academy is to educate our students on the demands of Christian charity, and we are grateful to have Hawk Auto Group as a partner in fulfilling that mission.”
The food drive will officially kick off on Feb. 2 with a “Pack the Truck” event held during the Saint Bede Academy varsity boys basketball game against Bureau Valley. Fans are encouraged to bring canned goods or non-perishable food items to help fill the bed of a Hawk Auto Chevrolet Silverado that will be parked in front of the gym.
“We approached Saint Bede Academy with the goal of engaging in a meaningful local service initiative,” said Robbie Crane, Executive Managing Partner of Hawk Chevrolet Mercedes-Benz Nissan of Peru. “We are proud to partner with the Academy and look forward to encouraging both our employees and customers to participate in giving back to the Illinois Valley community.”
“This initiative represents the collaborative spirit across all Hawk Auto Group locations,” said Damian Gabrus, Executive Managing Partner of Hawk Volkswagen of Joliet. “Supporting local families and strengthening the communities we serve is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are honored to be part of this effort.”
Scott Ansteth, General Manager of Hawk Auto, added, “This partnership is especially meaningful to me and my family. We have lived in Peru our entire lives, and both of my children attended Saint Bede Academy. Supporting the Academy and helping families in our community reflects the values Saint Bede instilled in our family and the values we stand for at Hawk Auto.”
For every five food items collected, Hawk Auto Group will donate $5 to the food drive, with a goal of collecting 1,000 items, resulting in a $1,000 donation. All food items and monetary contributions will be divided between the Hall Township Food Pantry in Spring Valley and the Illinois Valley Food Pantry in Peru.
The food drive will continue through March 31. Donations may be dropped off at Hawk Auto Group locations or at Saint Bede Academy.
