  Volunteers restocking the Food Pantry on Wednesday afternoon (March 25, 2026). Last year, the Food Pantry at St. Thomas of Canterbury church served 15,119 individuals, the highest number since the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2023, the number of households coming to the pantry has nearly doubled. To keep up with demand, volunteers work diligently every week to pick up donations, stock shelves, and help patrons shop during open hours. “I truly look forward to working at the pantry each week and often plan my schedule around it,” parishioner Donna Donovan said. “The people I volunteer with have become like family. We all work hard toward a common goal, and everyone is so friendly and willing to help one another.”  Br. Donald Thielsen, OFM Conv.; Dennis’ sister Maureen; Aaron Donelson; and Dennis Donelson. Dennis Donelson has been a key member of the Soup Kitchen team for over seven years. For him, the mission is personal. “My late son Aaron was a member of the community that the Soup Kitchen served,” Dennis said. “I felt an obligation to support it with my time and abilities to help pay it forward.” The parish's Soup Kitchen, located at St. Thomas of Canterbury church (4827 N. Kenmore), is open for dinner service from 5:30-6:30 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays. Dennis has fond memories of Aaron helping out in the Soup Kitchen and finding unique ways to use his God-given talents. “He was great to have around to help me keep our guests in line; especially since he was a 6’4” tall mountain of a man,” Dennis said. “He would tell complete strangers that he was the ‘Director of Security’ with a big smile on his face.” Dennis said his favorite part about volunteering is knowing that his efforts are “helping people that are struggling with the challenges of low income, mental health, isolation, and drug or alcohol addictions to stay nourished and cared for.” Ways to Support the Soup Kitchen
You can also read past issues of our parish's outreach newsletter which focuses on Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen located at St. Thomas of Canterbury church.  If you’ve volunteered or eaten at the Soup Kitchen, over the last five years, you can thank Jennifer Franco for her leadership. Since 2020, she made sure the kitchen was stocked and staffed for service every week. “Being the volunteer coordinator was not something I had planned to do, but I felt God had asked me to give it a try,” Jennifer said. “It ended up being one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life.” We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jennifer and wish her the best in her new endeavors. "The Soup Kitchen is important to our parish on so many levels. Most importantly, it’s a ministry to see Christ and to serve Christ in others — those in need who come for a meal and the volunteers. It also is important because we learn to be Christ to others. In this way, Christ remains the center of our work and mission — bringing us love, joy, and strength.” - Jennifer Franco  We are here to journey with you. Assisting you where we can. Let us help you. Click the button below to request help and someone from the St. Vincent de Paul Society will respond as quickly as possible. If this is an emergency, please call 911 or 311 for immediate assistance.
 We are extremely grateful for our student volunteers from SFX School in Wilmette, IL. The 8th graders recently completed their final volunteer shift of the school year at the Food Pantry. (The students have been coming every Monday).
Earlier this year, the 8th graders also precented the Food Pantry with a check to purchase new shelving. We now look forward to continuing this partnership and working with the new class after summer break! Thank you to all involved. New Soup Kitchen Volunteer Coordinator Eager to Serve  Q. When did you join the parish and how have you been involved prior to this new role? A. I’ve been involved in the parish since the fall of 2023, but I officially entered the church in April of 2025. Before this role, I was involved in the Tuesday Bible Study that takes place after the Soup Kitchen as well as Open-door Hospitality which takes place on Monday afternoons. Q. Describe what the Soup Kitchen Volunteer Coordinator is and does. A. In short, the Volunteer Coordinator makes sure that we have the supplies and personnel necessary to serve soup each Tuesday and Friday. This is done primarily by finding different groups of folks to come and volunteer for food prep, serving food, cleaning up, etc. Luckily for me, there are a lot of people who regularly dedicate their time to these duties, as well as a wider community which helps out when they can. Another aspect of my job is making sure that we have enough food to serve. This is done by working with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and other groups who donate food. Q. What are you looking forward to the most in this new role? A. I love people, and every day in this role I encounter new folks who have stories, skills, and friendship to share. Getting to know and build relationships with these folks is amazing. Q. Why is the Soup Kitchen an important ministry of our parish? A. Every parish should be mindful of the needs of their community, and for Mary, Mother of God, a significant population of folks in our community are in need of a good warm meal. Being able to offer that twice a week, as well as open hearts and ears, goes a long way, and contributes to the parish as a whole being a force of good in the wider community. Q. What’s a fun fact about yourself? A. I’m a big reader. I try to read 52 books a year, but I have not yet met that goal. In 2025, I read 38 books. Contact Walker if you’d like to help out at the Soup Kitchen!
Email him at: [email protected] The St. Frances Cabrini Council was honored to provide much needed disposable bowls to the parish’s Soup Kitchen as part of a continuing mission to assist those in need as set forth by their founder, the Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney. Any Catholic male over the age of 18 can join the Knights of Columbus. The Knights are a Catholic men's fraternal organization dedicated to serving God, the parish and the community. Anyone who wants to learn more should contact the parish office at 773-561-5343 or via email.  Pictured: Worthy Brother Lionel Osaghe, Soup Kitchen Director Walker Nelson, and Grand Knight Paul Solitro under the painting of St. Francis Cabrini. (March 2026)
 Last week, the 8th graders from SFX School in Wilmette presented a donation of $1,400 for the purchase of new shelves needed at the Food Pantry. These students volunteer every Monday at the Food Pantry as part of an on-going partnership with SFX School. We thank them for this thoughtful donation and for their continued support.
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