Catholic Charities

Chicago Catholic Charities Active in Summit

Chicago Catholic Charities is active at St. Blase Church at 6101 South 75th Avenue in Summit, with several programs aimed at assisting residents of Summit and surrounding communities. Services include a food pantry, a hot meal program, special nutrition programs for seniors, and a child care facility. For those able to volunteer and give, the pantry needs bi-lingual Spanish speaking volunteers and additional volunteers for most of the food pantry shifts. 

Volunteers need to be able to carefully complete paperwork and be able to lift 20 pounds. The pantry accepts all donations of dry and canned goods, especially canned meats, cereal and oatmeal. Those able to give financially can do so online on the Chicago Catholic Charities website.

Food Pantry

One program is a food pantry that serves all of Summit and surrounding communities at no cost to recipients. St. Blase provides one food package per month that will include canned goods, dried goods, and usually frozen meat. In addition, clients can come to the pantry each day it is open for food that is donated by local grocers, restaurants, and bakeries. 

The person coming to pick up the food needs a photo identification and the birthday of anyone else in the household who is receiving food. Pantry staff is fluent in Polish and able to accommodate Spanish speakers. The pantry is open Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Hot Meal Program

Catholic Charities operates a hot meal program at St. Blase for the hungry and homeless on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m., and anyone is welcome to attend at no cost. There are no residency or registration requirements.

Child Care & After School Care

The St. Blase Child Development Center is a daycare and after school program for children ages 3 to 12. It is the only NAEYC certified child care center in the area and will also accept Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program. More information is available at 708-496-1193.

Special Food Program for Seniors

On Tuesdays, St. Blase offers a special program for low-income seniors and mothers with children between ages five and six. They can receive a special package of commodity foods that will last for an entire month. Distribution is every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.