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Community Corner

Food Pantry Fits Benge's Volunteer Passions

Lake Forest resident earns "I Care Award" from Lake County Cares.

Editor’s note: Monday began the first of five mini-portraits of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff residents who are being recognized for their extraordinary volunteer efforts in Lake County. They will be honored at the Lake County Cares I CARE Award Ceremony on April 21 at the  in Lake Forest. This is the sixth year for the ICare Awards, formerly the “Women of Service & Style” awards. The honor coincides with National Volunteer Week, April 15-21.

  • Monday’s profile: 
  • Today's profile: Linda Benge

There has to be a reason why in eight of the past 10 years that she has lived in Lake Forest, Linda Benge has volunteered to help the needy at the Holy Family Food Pantry in Waukegan.

“I did volunteer work in a lot of different things in the past, in the schools and with athletics, but volunteering at the Holy Family Food Pantry is the best fit for me. That is important when looking for a volunteer job,” Benge said.

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The work can tug at her heart, but the food pantry's support system is there for both those in need and those who volunteer.

“It is heartbreaking sometimes seeing what our clients have to deal with, but I don’t get overwhelmed with it because I work with a great team,” Benge said. “I get enjoyment out of being with the people I work with; we are there for a common purpose, which makes it fun, and also the patrons are very gracious.”

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“The best part is helping people. Feeling like making a difference for people — it becomes addictive, this great feeling,” she added.

Benge has grown in her volunteer role, taking on office management responsibilities, client reporting, the client newsletter and Christmas gift program.

Holy Family Food Pantry staffer Peggy Talbot described Benge as “a dedicated, self-directed volunteer who constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

To the clients, Talbot noted Benge offers “a calm and steady presence in what can often be a chaotic world for them.”

Benge's work coordinating the expanding Christmas program begins in July. They communicate with more than eight local parishes and many businesses for months leading to Christmas. “Fulfilling the wish of over 530 families last year gave me a sense of fulfillment as well,” Benge said.

Benge’s previous career included work as a nurse in a university setting.

“There were a lot of different cultures and income levels, much like the volunteer work I do now,” she said. “This keeps it interesting. I also learn new computer skills, working on my Spanish and have made a ton of new friends.”

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