Orland Park, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today visited the Orland Township Office to join volunteers working to sort and pack food, clothing, and toy donations destined for local families in need. As part of the Orland Township Holiday Program, area residents are invited this season to help out in the food pantry or drop off their own contributions for distribution. “It’s really wonderful seeing everyone come together to lend a helping hand to those who have fallen on tough times this holiday season,” said Biggert. “My thanks go out to all the local volunteers, contributors, and Orland Township staff who have worked so hard to make this program a success and helped make Christmas a little better for a lot of worthy families.” Those still wishing to contribute can help out in the food pantry sorting donations or contribute their own cash, gift cards, non-perishable food stuffs, children’s toys, and other items at the Orland Township Office at 15100 South 94th Avenue in Orland Park. For more information on the program, call (708) 403-4222. Also in attendance was Terry Modglin, Director of Public Policy for the National Network for Youth, a leading advocacy and service organization dedicated to runaway and homeless children, who presented Biggert with an award recognizing her efforts as the lead Republican cosponsor of the Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act (H.R. 5224/S. 2982). Signed into law on October 8th, the bill reauthorized and increased grants for runaway and homeless youth shelters while providing greater flexibility to meet local needs. “The holidays can be a great reminder of the importance of giving and helping those in need, especially vulnerable children and their families,” said Biggert, who Co-Chairs the Congressional Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children. “But our support has to be year round. That’s why I’m so happy to be celebrating the passage of this important bill to safeguard children who might otherwise find themselves on the streets.”
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