Harvest Saturday
What is Harvest Saturday?
Harvest Saturday is our largest service project of the year! This beloved community tradition brings Western Springs together to collect non-perishable food for the pantries at our sharing parishes and throughout the surrounding area.
On Harvest Saturday, every household in Western Springs is invited to place donations on their front porch. Our volunteers will pick them up, pack them, load them onto trucks, and deliver them directly to the food pantries we support. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our neighbors in need.
How Can I Help with Harvest Saturday?
– Distribute flyers to homes in Western Springs – Click here for Flyer Day 2026 Sign-Up! (October 17 from 9-10 am)
– Assemble boxes that will be used for packing food – Click here for Box Night Sign-Up! (October 23 from 5-6 pm)
– Pick up food donations from homes in Western Springs neighborhoods – Click here for Harvest Saturday Collectors Sign-Up (October 24 from 9:30 am – 12 pm) OR Click Here for Packers and Helpers Sign-Up (October 24 from 11 am – 12:30 pm)
– Various roles in and outside of the multi-purpose room
Please email MaryClaire Zurowski at mczurowski@stjohnofthecross.org or Sharon Lange at sharonlange50@gmail.com with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I put my food out?
We ask that you put your donated items on your porch by 9AM on Harvest Saturday. Volunteers will begin collecting donations at 10AM.
What if my donation doesn’t get picked up?
We have hundreds of volunteers who walk the neighborhoods of Western Springs, beginning at 10AM. We may sometimes miss you. If you have not had your donation picked up by 1pm, please call 708-218-5164 or text us your address and we will try to send a volunteer to pick your donation.
What donations are needed most?
While we welcome and we are very grateful for all donations, most recipients identify that these are their most significant needs at this time:
| Canned Meat | Canned Fruit | Canned Veggies | Stuffing | Boxed Potatoes |
| Peanut Butter | Jelly | Beans | Rice | Pasta & Sauce |
| Paper Products | Diapers | Baby Wipes | Adult Diapers |
NO EXPIRED FOOD PLEASE. Just as you wouldn’t serve your own family food past its “use by” date, we wouldn’t want food pantry clients to receive expired items. Please check expiration dates before donating—your care helps ensure every item we deliver is safe and ready to enjoy.
What food pantries will benefit from my donation?
This year, the food we collect goes to the following food pantries or sharing parishes:
St. Gall in Gage Park
St. Francis Xavier in LaGrange
Our Lady, the Mystical Rose in Cicero
Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Back of the Yards
Holy Guardian Angels in Brookfield
St. Cletus in LaGrange
Summit Community Center
Men Making a Difference in North Lawndale
Learn More About Outreach at SJC
Please reach out to our team with any quesitons.