Humanitarian Service Project

To alleviate the pain and suffering that poverty brings to needy seniors and children living in DuPage and Kane Counties, Illinois, without distinction of gender, race, creed, caste, or color.

The Humanitarian Service Project (HSP) started in Karole & Floyd Kettering's spare room in 1979 with the purpose of helping needy families during the Christmas season in the DuPage County area by providing them with an abundance of groceries and gifts. The Christmas Offering still continues today, providing 150 impoverished families with 3 weeks of groceries, frozen meats, fresh produce and gifts for all the children. We distribute over 23 tons of food and 12 tons of Christmas gifts.

The Senior Citizen Project began in 1982 with 3 seniors with 106 presently served. A commitment was made to help those in need all year long. This project focuses on helping the many needy senior citizens living in DuPage and Kane Counties, Illinois. The Senior Citizen Project delivers each senior over 90 pounds of nutritious food each month, includes: fresh produce including 13 fruits and vegetables, 7 frozen meats, fresh bread, five bags of non-perishable food and paper products including toilet paper, paper towels, and Kleenex. They also receive household products, personal care items, and special gifts from their Secret Pal. All these items are delivered right to the homes of our needy seniors at no cost to them. The wish list program invites the senior to request items like tv's microwaves, vacuum cleaners, wheel chairs etc.

The Children's Birthday Project was started in 1992 to reach the youngest poor in the surrounding communities to help make a needy child's birthday a truly memorable occasion. Each child receives a package sent to their home in time for their birthday, which includes: three new toys, four new books, one new game, party supplies, school supplies, stuffed animals, and other filler gifts such as yo-yo's, playing cards, matchbox cars, and bubble solution. At Christmas, these children also receive gifts from their very own wish-list sent to them.

Feed the Kids started in Summer 2004 to provide impoverished families in the area with a grocery delivery during the months of June, July & August. Each family receives at least 250 pounds of food each month. Included in the deliveries are 8 boxes of non-perishable food, 15 selections of fresh produce consisting of fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, 11 frozen meats, and dairy products. The summer of 2008, Feed the Kids served 90 families. The cost for a family for one month is $50, the entire summer is $150.

All of our programs are fueled by the love and generosity of local clubs, schools, businesses, churches and individuals who contribute both financially and through volunteering. We are committed to having the support we receive at HSP be meaningful and empowering by creating a wonderful environment for volunteers of all ages, as well as by effectively using financial contributions that we receive to impact DuPage and Kane's poor in the most significant manner possible.

1. No community - however affluent - is without poverty.

2. No child should ever want for food, joy, or an education.

3. No senior should be forced to choose expenses over basic needs.