The Haas Park Advisory Council has come together to organize a virtual food drive in cooperation with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

To date, the effort has raised $2,202 which equates to 6,606 total meals and 7,927 total pounds of donated food. The PAC has an ultimate goal of $5,000 and will be keeping the food drive open through the end of July. You can donate directly here.

Haas PAC started the drive in April in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They wanted to help in anyway possible, and the Food Depository’s virtual food drive program was a local, straight forward way to make a difference, with gifts of just $1 equaling three meals donated. “You can help bring food, dignity and hope to our neighbors across Chicago and Cook County,” reads their food drive page.

“Everything counts,” says Brad Carlson, member of the Haas PAC and organizer of the food drive. Brad says that many of the Advisory Council’s typical work is “grassroots” and “grown organically.”

Located in the Logan Square neighborhood, Haas Park is 1.7 acres with a LEED Gold fieldhouse and updated soccer field. Haas is a unique PAC with a heavy focus on community and sports programming, and in past years they’ve built an internationally recognized partnership with English Premier League Champion Manchester City Football Club.

The Chicago Parks Foundation is proud to have Haas PAC as a part of our “Partnership for Parks” fiscal partnership program for Park Advisory Councils. Park Advisory Councils (PACs) are voluntary groups of individuals who meet regularly to support the effective functioning of their local parks. The PACs promote ways for the community to better utilize the Chicago Park District's programs and facilities. They raise awareness of park projects, help find alternative funding sources for park enhancement, and host events and activities. Their work is essential!

This summer, many PACs are also participating in our Pitch In for the Parks volunteer initiative happening citywide all summer long. See more below.

Way to go, Haas PAC! CPF appreciates the special effort from PACs like Haas Park all across the city who are taking extra steps to support their communities in this unique time.

HAAS PARK ADVISORY COUNCIL • Virtual Food Drive

Chicago’s parks need you to pitch in! This summer, the Chicago Parks Foundation is leading a citywide volunteer initiative to help keep the parks clean.

Over the past few months, park budgets have been stretched and there are fewer seasonal employees. There are 600+ parks throughout Chicago, and they all need us to pitch in!

In partnership with the Chicago Park District and our communities, the Chicago Parks Foundation is providing trash pick-up supplies and safety guidelines. Form a volunteer group with your community or sign up for a clean-up date on your own. Join us!

REMEMBER TO ENJOY THE PARKS SAFELY! Face coverings are required at all times. Wash hands frequently, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and cover your noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing. Anyone who is feeling unwell should stay home, per Chicago Department Public Health order.

See the latest Chicago Park District update on park openings and more here.