Bolingbrook, Illinois – A Bolingbrook food pantry that was twice targeted by thieves stealing catalytic converters from its donation trucks received $5,500 Thursday as part of a statewide effort to support food pantries across DuPage County and Illinois.
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs visited the 4 K.I.D.S. Sake Food Pantry Thursday morning to return unclaimed property funds through the state’s ICash program. The Bolingbrook nonprofit was one of more than 80 food pantries statewide to receive funding, with a total of $100,000 distributed.
According to the Treasurer’s office, 4 K.I.D.S. Sake was selected after the pantry suffered two catalytic converter thefts from its donation trucks earlier this year, including a theft reported in November. The thefts disrupted food collection and distribution efforts and created unexpected repair costs for the nonprofit.
The ICash funds are part of an annual December initiative in which the Treasurer’s office focuses on returning unclaimed money to nonprofit organizations that serve residents in need. This year’s effort placed a particular emphasis on food pantries after a federal government shutdown in November strained food assistance programs and increased demand at local pantries.
Frerichs was joined at the Bolingbrook event by local and state officials, including Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta, State Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, and State Reps. Natalie Manley and Dagmara Avelar.
Treasurer’s office officials said the returned funds can be used by pantries to address operational needs, replace lost resources, and continue serving families facing food insecurity.
The funding may be especially meaningful for DuPage County residents who rely on local food pantries, as nonprofits across the region continue to face rising demand and increased operating costs.
