· To volunteer, please visit https://www.boh2016.org/
The District 202 Bags of Hope backpack food program is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The nonprofit is hosting an anniversary celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., September 18 at The Parsonage Events, 24012 Lockport St.
Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/10-year-anniversary-and-recognition-ceremony
The highlight of the event is the presentation of the inaugural Hope Award, which will be given posthumously to Tom Hernandez. Hernandez was District 202’s long-time Director of Community Relations until his death.
Hernandez supported Bags of Hope unconditionally and was one of its biggest fans, said Lana 
Howe, organization founder and president.
His unwavering support for Bags of Hope made Hernandez an easy choice as the first Hope Award honoree, said board member Allison Suchinski.
“One memory that stands out is when he stopped by (Plainfield) Academy with a food donation on a Wednesday — even though it was his wedding anniversary,” she said. “ His dedication truly reflects the spirit of the Hope Award.”
Organization history
Bags of Hope was founded in 2016 after a similar program folded, said Howe
A volunteer board runs the organization:
Lana Howe, president and founder
Stephanie Jerabek, secretary (volunteer for nine years)
Kevin Suchinski, treasurer (volunteer since 2021)
Samuel Jackson, board member (volunteer since 2025)
Regina Kleckauskas, board member (volunteer for 10 years)
Becky Sipes, board member (volunteer since 2025)
Allison Suchinski, board member (volunteer since 2020)
The nonprofit delivers backpacks of food weekly to students who experience food insecurity in District 202 and a few surrounding districts.
On average, the organization gives out at least 280 bags a week, and during the COVID pandemic that number was more than 500 a week, Howe said.
The program also provides boxes of food for families during the summer, and at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“Delivering those boxes and Christmas boxes brings me so much joy,” said Jerabek. “To see how much the families appreciate the food that we deliver and knowing they truly need it just makes my heart happy.”
Board members said the program is important because it ensures that students have nutritious food on weekends when they do not have a free breakfast or lunch at school.
“It provides peace of mind for families and helps students return to school on Monday ready to learn,” said Allison Suchinski.
Special partnership
Bags of Hope goes beyond supplying food to those in need.
In 2020, the organization moved to Plainfield Academy and enlisted the help of students in the district’s P-STEP or Post-Secondary Transition and Educational Program.
P-STEP teaches 18-to 22-year-old students skills needed to obtain and maintain employment and increase independent living skills.
The students help organize, sort, and package the food for delivery each week.
“This partnership allows Bags of Hope to make an even greater impact by supporting both students experiencing food insecurity and students developing skills for future independence,” said Kevin Suchinski.
Why volunteer
Bags of Hope relies on volunteers and donations to operate.
Board members have varied reasons for volunteering with Bags of Hope.
One reason that resonates with each of the board members is that they know they are helping local families avoid worrying about being unable to put food on the table.
“Knowing that a student can focus on their education rather than worrying about their next meal is exactly why I do this,” said Sipes.
Kleckauskas, who has worked in special education throughout her career, said she is proud of the partnership between Bags of Hope and P-STEP.
“Our students are important to me so having the opportunity to serve others in the community while helping special education programs in the district felt like a good fit,” she said.
Organization future
Board members say they want to continue serving students and families, increase volunteer involvement, and secure a corporate or business sponsor to help make ordering basic supplies more consistent.
Volunteers are always needed, especially on Wednesdays to distribute food to District 202 schools, said Jerabek.
“I think that our goals boil down to something very simple: keep doing what we’re doing,” said Jackson.
Members also want to get the word out about Bags of Hope and how it helps food insecurity in our community.
“Many people see or hear about food insecurity all over the world, but what they don’t realize is that it’s right under their noses,” said Howe. “When they hear that there’s need in Plainfield, their reaction is typically surprise, so I feel that volunteering for Bags of Hope would be an opportunity for people to make a difference within their community.”
