In between classes at Marist High School and being a student athlete, a Chicago teen is helping people facing hardship.
Maddy Imala started a special pantry to provide them with essential supplies; it’s all part of an effort called “Maddy’s Mission.”
Maddy said she learned about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in school and saw on social media how people were being affected by a pause in SNAP benefits.
So, she came up with the idea for a 24/7 outdoor charity pantry.
in addition to one pantry in McKiernan Park in the Mount Greenwood Park neighborhood, there are two others throughout the Chicago Park District.
“I believe this is a great way we can serve those who need a little help…hopefully Maddy can inspire other teens and young adults to donate and serve their communities as well,” Tricia Orzula with the Chicago Park District said.
Maddy goes around and replenishes the pantries once a week. Not only do they have non-perishable items, but they also are stocked with toiletries and baby items.
“If anything needs to taken out, typically the food gets overfilled, so then I’ll take them out, put them in my car and then distribute them to the other parks that don’t have as much as what this one does,” she explained.
Joanna Imala, Maddy’s mother, said she never ceases to amaze her.
“…She’s a smart student; she’s a beautiful girl. She does theater, she does sports, and she has a heart of gold,” her mother said. “And she makes her dad and I very, very proud every day.”
Maddy said she has wanted to volunteer since she was little and put those who are less fortunate before herself.
“I have had some instances where I have met the people who take from these and they’ve just shown their gratitude to me and it makes my heart so warm,” she said.
