Gym Shoes, Mother Russia and McDonald’s

Another installment in a day in the life of People’s Resource Center:

The Clothes Closet is gearing up for its Back to School Gym Shoe and Backpack program. Beginning August 1st, client families can choose a new or gently used backpack and pair of gym shoes for their school-aged kids during normal Clothes Closet shopping hours. The items were donated by the community during the second half of July. “I’d like to thank everyone for their generosity,” said Lucinda Page, Clothes Closet Supervisor. “We’ve got a large supply of items to give away at both our Wheaton and Westmont locations.”

Anna needed a job, and she took advantage of the services provided in the Job Assistance program. When she first arrived here from Russia, where she was an engineer, she spoke no English. For five years, she took English classes at PRC and volunteered in the Clothes Closet. “I started listening to people and I tried talking to them and they helped me,” she said on a recent visit. Her job coach, Mary Blair, instructed her to get a volunteer job in an office and from there, a part-time job. She worked at her part-time job for two years, but due to the recession, was laid off. Anna looked for work for the next two years, consulting with Mary about interviewing, resumes, and getting guidance. “I was still applying for work and keeping my hopes up. And one day when I didn’t expect it, it happened!” Anna is currently working in a doctor’s office and enjoying her work. “I wouldn’t be at this place if it wasn’t for Mary or People’s Resource Center,” she said. “It’s been a long way.”

Today we had a group of new volunteers – 10 college interns from McDonald’s Corporation East Division. They had flown in to see McDonald’s corporate offices in Oak Brook and were in the area a few days. Their supervisor decided they should do some volunteer work during their stay and since McDonald’s had sent groups here in the past, the interns were assigned to work in our Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. They were very impressed with the scope of activities that occur at People’s Resource Center. One even wondered if PRC would ever go national!

Since 1975, People’s Resource Center has been bringing neighbors together to respond to hunger and poverty in DuPage County.  With a team of over 1,000 volunteers, we offer nutritious food and other basic necessities like clothes and rent assistance for people facing tough times.  And we connect people with resources—education and tutoring, jobs, technology, art, a caring community—to create a future of hope and opportunity for all.

For more information, visit our website at www.peoplesrc.org