All God’s People collecting items to donate to families in need in Chicago
Pictured last year, Tinley Park resident Doreen DeBoer – president of All God’s People – looks through some of the items donated to help homeless and low-income families. MARY COMPTON/RICHARD FREE PRESS
By Jon DePaolis
For Tinley Park resident Doreen DeBoer, helping the homeless and those in need is not just a ministry – it’s a blessing.
“I praise God every day for the honor of serving in his name,” said DeBoer, president of the Orland Park-based All God’s People organization that helps the homeless and low-income families living in Chicago. “There’s no greater joy than making a difference in someone’s life.”
DeBoer is aiming to help more than 500 struggling families later this month, as she is organizing a food and goods drive that will distribute items to those in need on Wednesday, June 24.
Orland Park residents Maria Cary (left) and Kathy Reda – volunteers at All God’s People – look through donated items Thursday, June 18, in preparation for an upcoming food and goods drive to benefit the homeless and low-income families in Chicago. MARY COMPTON/RICHARD FREE PRESS
DeBoer and the All God’s People volunteers will be collecting items from 2-7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at the Orland Park warehouse (15554 S. 70th Court). She said she intends to pack about 500 boxes of food and items, with each box being capable of feeding a family of four for a week.
“It was a huge undertaking, but I totally trust that the Lord will provide everything that we’re looking for,” she said.
DeBoer said All God’s People was started many years ago to serve the homeless population of Chicago. But since moving to Orland Park, the organization has been able to expand to helping low-income families struggling to acquire food and clothing.
“I think I love this ministry the most, because I get to hear their stories and hear about their lives,” DeBoer said of the people she meets. “A lot of times, you find out that it is not that different than your own. There’s just a connection.”
She said she is able to build relationships with the people she serves, and she feels blessed to be able to help.
Things have been a bit more challenging lately, with the coronavirus pandemic affecting how often and how much DeBoer and All God’s People can help.
“It’s horrible, because you know the needs are so great – multiplied from what it was to what it is now,” she said. “Every day I get texts and phone calls from people. When you know people are struggling and you can’t reach them, it’s really difficult.”
Kathy Reda holds up a donated backpack Thursday, June 18, to be given to a family in need later this month. MARY COMPTON/RICHARD FREE PRESS
For those who want to donate items on June 22, All God’s People is collecting the following:
Bar soap
Deodorant
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body Lotion
Razors
Bottled Water
Cans of soup (pop-top only)
Cans of fruit or vegetables
Individually packaged crackers
Cans of tuna
SpaghettiOs
Pudding cups
Beef Jerky
For more information about All God’s People, visit http://allgodspeoplechicago.org/.