Driving Away Hunger & Poverty…

Canned goods collected at Chicago Auto Show to benefit homeless families

Chicago, IL – February 1, 2008 – In conjunction with Chrysler’s sponsorship, the Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL) will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable items at the Chicago Auto Show from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2008 through Friday, February 15, 2008. Participants are encouraged to bring in three or more non-perishable items and receive half price show admission. Food drive booths will be conveniently stationed next to ticket booths.

CCIL Executive Director Judy McIntyre comments, “CCIL’s participation in the Chicago Auto Show is one of my favorite events and I’m especially grateful for Chrysler’s generous sponsorship. Auto show attendees have an opportunity to view a wide variety of cars all while giving to a worthwhile cause. Each year we’re blessed to receive large amounts of food all of which is put to good use in our Community Food Pantry where more than 200 disadvantaged families are served each week.”

Founded in 1909, CCIL is one of the largest non-profit organizations empowering homeless individuals and families in rebuilding their lives by providing the highest quality employment, housing, counseling and health services. If you’re interested in being a CCIL volunteer at the Chicago Auto Show, please contact Albert Tanquero at atanquero@theleague.org. Please visit ccilworks.org for more information about the Chicago Christian Industrial League’s mission, programs, partnerships and people served or join the discussion at www.ccil-2750.blogspot.com.

Career Fair at CCIL!

CCIL will be hosting a career fair at 2750 W. Roosevelt Road on February 13 from 9 - 12. We are partnering with Lawndale Christian Development Corporation and others in this initiative. 7 - 10 employers will be in attendance, as well as organizations in the lawndale community. Hope to see you there!

The Face of Homelessness

What do Halle Berry, singer Jewel, Actor Jim Carrey, William Shatner, Kelly Clarkson and Tyler Perry have in common? They have all been homeless at some point in their lives.

The image of an old man pushing a cart down an alley is what comes to mind when thinking of homelessness. However, the reality is that the homeless population looks a lot more like you and me. Homelessness is affecting families across every color line, every city and every state. It is affecting men, women and innocent children.

The causes of homelessness are varied. Homelessness can be caused by a variety of problems. The main cause is a lack of affordable housing. Secondary causes include mental illness, physical illnesses, substance abuse, lack of incentives to work, poor work ethics, and a lack of a decent education.

The National Law Center for Homelessness and Poverty reports that more than three million men, women, and children were homeless during the past year – about 30% of them were chronically homeless and the others temporarily. In many cases people are in and out of the homeless system, which includes shelters, hospitals, the streets, and prisons.

On top of the three million who were homeless or marginally homeless, there are an additional five million people who spend more than half of their incomes on housing, leaving them on the verge of homelessness. A missed paycheck, a health crisis, or an unpaid bill can easily spiral into homelessness.

Reports indicate that the types of assistance homeless adults feel they need most are help finding a job, help finding affordable housing, and help paying for housing. This is where CCIL is a beacon of hope. CCIL is one of the few agencies helping clients find decent jobs, affordable homes and providing an array of comprehensive, rehabilitative programs.

Other reports show that incomes for the poorest Americans have not nearly kept pace with rising housing costs leaving millions of hard workers shut out of the private housing market. Job training, education, and supportive services make CCIL such a unique place. Our organization is here to change the lives of Chicago’s neediest citizens. This can only be done with your help and financial support. Please consider making an investment in helping to rebuild lives.

Albert Tanquero

Kraft Employees Join CCIL For “Kraft Cares Day” Community Giving Program

Preparing and serving meals for residents, cleaning CCIL’s Community Food Pantry and sorting clothes were just some of the many volunteer activities Kraft Food employees provided for CCIL during the 13th annual Kraft Cares Day. January 18, 2008 was a full day of community service for 1,200 Kraft employees who offered a helping hand at more than 50 non-profit organizations throughout the Chicago area. The event honored Martin Luther King’s legacy and benefits non-profit organizations all across the Chicago-area. Across the country, Kraft employees racked up more than 10,000 hours of community service, making it one of the nation’s largest one-day corporate volunteering events.


Kraft Cares Day originated in 1996 to honor the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of reaching out to others in the spirit of community service. This annual event demonstrates the commitment of Kraft Foods and its employees to contribute to the needs of those less fortunate in the community.

Kraft Cares Day is one of many Kraft initiatives that help people around the world live and eat better. From the Community Nutrition Program, celebrating its 11th year distributing fresh foods to the U.S. food bank network, to nutrition and healthy lifestyle education programs in Latin America, Europe and Asia, global civic citizenship is integral to the Kraft vision.

CCIL Food Pantry On WTTW!

In December on local and national broadcast segments by WTTW correspondent Elizabeth Brackett and the Jim Lehrer News Hour Channel 11, CCIL’s Community Food Pantry was featured demonstrating our impact in assisting residents of the North Lawndale neighborhood meet some of their most essential needs. We opened our Community Food Pantry in November 2006 and it serves more than 200 families per week equaling approximately 9,000 pounds of food each month.

Christmas With The Steve Wilkos Show!

Christmas came early this year for CCIL families and residents. The Steve Wilkos Show donated more than $25,000 in food and gifts to CCIL. Desktop computers, DVD players, televisions, clothing and toys were some of the generous contributions received. “I’m excited about donating four televisions to CCIL. More viewers mean higher ratings,” Wilkos joked. CCIL’s community enjoyed lunch catered by the House of Blues, cheesecakes from Eleven City Diner and visits from Santa, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and Tony the Hawk, a respected member of the Chicago sports “furternity”.

Wilkos brought national attention to the social problem of homelessness by taping a segment of his nationally syndicated show at CCIL. “This is a great opportunity for us to give back and make a difference in people’s lives. It will be great to bring some joy to people who otherwise wouldn’t have anything this holiday season,” Wilkos said.

CCIL Executive Director Judy McIntyre commented, “We are blessed to receive this consideration from Mr. Wilkos. Words simply can’t describe the excitement and delight our organization is feeling from Steve and his team’s sincere gesture in giving back to those less fortunate. His efforts are truly commendable and will not be forgotten.”