Orland Township Youth Commission Service Trip

Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting Aldi in Orland Hills with a group of outstanding young adults from the Orland Township Youth Commission (OTYC). The purpose of the trip was to purchase food for our annual holiday program, using money that the OTYC members had raised through various fundraisers, including a summer car wash.

Orland Park resident and philanthropist Terrence Camodeca also accompanied me and the kids on the shopping trip, after graciously submitting his own donation to the cause.

In hosting the trip to Aldi, we wanted to allow the kids to think about acts of service in a more comprehensive way. Instead of just donating the money and calling it a day, the youth members sacrificed their time and also selected foods that were nutritionally fulfilling to those receiving it.

I’m happy to report that all of the donated food was given out during the holiday program distribution period and 216 families received assistance this year during their time of need.

I’d like to offer a big thanks to our youth commission members and Terrence Camodeca for their hard work and generosity, which made this type of service project possible.