Story posted Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Helping Hands Here For Holidays
By DENISE FLEISCHER Lifestyle Editor
One hundred fifteen Rosemont families will receive a turkey and gift card for their Thanksgiving meal thanks to the Helping Hands program and its supporters. Local teachers, public safety representatives and volunteers will make deliveries on Nov. 21.
According to Deputy Fire Supt. Dale Torii, Helping Hands is a non-profit local effort of the Rosemont Fire and Police departments.
"We have a hotline, 847-823-1134. People call in and we see what they need and call them back," explained Torii. "We have no pantry. Any donations of food and clothing are turned over to Our Lady of Hope Church."
Torii also calls Orchard Place and Rosemont Elementary School, Our Lady of Hope Church and the senior center for a list of needy families in the area. The majority of names come from the free and reduced lunch list from the schools.
Torii stated that Helping Hands began in the early 1980's. When he was hired in 1983 he began volunteering and in the early 1990's, Joe Peterson, a public safety officer, retired and turned offer managing it to Torii and his wife, Dawn. She does all the bookkeeping and purchases the gift certificates. Gary Stephens, vice president of Helping Hands, also plays a major role.
"It started out as a Christmas collection. They shopped for meals and then bought toys for needy families," Torii said.
"In the beginning there were a lot of automatic donations from corporations, but during the last 10 years that's stopped. Now we receive independent donations," Torii added.
Money is also raised by manning the beer tent during the Rosemont Health Club's Rosemont Walk held in September. Local seniors also donate money from their senior bazaar to be held on Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 6336 Kirschoff.
Helping Hands received $1,500 from the annual walk. It will cost $4-$5,000 for Thanksgiving and then there's Christmas.
"We'll survive these two holidays, but we won't survive next year," he said. "We're considering another fundraising event."
Another fundraiser is needed to prepare for next year. Individual checks may also be mailed to Rosemont Helping Hands, 9501 Devon, Rosemont, IL 60018, Attn: Deputy Supt. Dale Torii.
"My wife and I like helping people, that's how we were raised. If you can't help other people, then there's something wrong," said Torii.
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