Deputy sheriff to sponsor benefit for Open Arms

LAKE VILLA -- Lake County sheriff's Deputy John Van Dien will sponsor the second annual "Feed the Hungry" benefit to raise funds for Open Arms Mission Food Pantry in Antioch.

The benefit will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 15 at High Roller Saloon, 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa.

"As a police officer, we always go with the theme of serving and protecting. I believe I am protecting, but I don't feel I do enough serving," said Van Dien, explaining why he sponsored the first event last year.

"In my job I have been in homes where there is nothing in the refrigerator and there are four or five kids. That breaks my heart, and now more than ever people need our help," he added.

The food pantry, staffed by volunteers, provides food to needy Antioch, Lake Villa and Lindenhurst residents every week. Donations are needed to purchase food boxes that will be distributed during the holidays in addition to weekly food allocations.

"We are getting a lot of help from the community to organize the event and provide food, beverages, entertainment and prizes for the raffles," said Van Dien. Anyone who would like to donate a prize can contact the food pantry at (847) 395-0309.

Tax-deductible donations may be made online at the food pantry's Web site, www.openarmsmission.or g, or by mail at P.O. Box 79, Antioch, IL 60002.