CHICAGO (CBS) — The Democratic National Committee and its host committee are doing Chicago a favor by encouraging them to recruit more volunteers.
On Tuesday, the Greater Chicago Food Depository hosted a day of service with the Democratic National Convention Host Committee and many other organizations volunteering.
“One of the components of having the most sustainable Games is addressing the issue of food waste, which is why partnering with organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository is so important,” said Christy George, executive director of the 2024 Host Committee.
Interns from the Chicago 2024 Host Committee participated in a volunteer repacking session with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, an organization that has been in existence since 1979.
This is a food bank that provides food to people who suffer from hunger and food insecurity. Throughout the year, volunteer-run repacking sessions are held five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Approximately 11,000 volunteers participate each year.
“Today, 45 years later, volunteers still play a vital role in our mission to end hunger,” said Jim Cornwell of the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
The Chicago 2024 Organizing Committee said this contribution to society is part of ensuring the Games are the most inclusive ever.
“Whether it’s through contracts or through efforts to send volunteers out to serve the community, we want to make sure we’re involved with as many neighborhoods in Chicago as possible, and this is a big part of that,” George said.
In May, the committee announced Chicago Civic Action Week, a series of volunteer activities in neighborhoods across the city that are free for the public to participate in.
So far, the team has participated in 20 service projects over the course of a week.
“We’re asking 12,000 people, primarily Chicagoans, to volunteer at the convention,” said Moe Green, senior director of civic engagement. “Every month we do community service, it’s like giving back.”
The Chicago 2024 Host Committee has conducted outreach efforts in communities including Hermosa, Woodlawn, Pilsen and Englewood.
Sharda Gray
