Where does community resilience come from? It’s a question on many of our minds lately. While no one has all the answers, the old adage remains true: it takes a village. We strengthen our communities by uplifting one another in times of need.
Today, many Chicagoans are facing economic insecurity as a result of cross-industry layoffs, price hikes, and funding cuts to critical programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The 2025 Greater Chicagoland Hunger Report, compiled by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, reports that “more than one-third of Chicago-area households cannot afford the basic cost of living in their county,” putting them at serious risk of food insecurity.
In partnership with the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, several local small businesses have volunteered to serve as donation drop-off locations for The Friendship Center, a local organization dedicated to fostering hope and dignity in Chicago’s northwest side communities through access to food and vital resources since 1969. We extend our thanks to Gio’s Bar and Grill, Platform 47, and Ponnopozz, and encourage residents to utilize the donation boxes stationed at these locations during open business hours.
About The Friendship Center
The Friendship Center (TFC) supports Chicago’s northwest side neighborhoods like Albany Park, Lincoln Square, North Park, Ravenswood, and West Ridge by providing budget relief in the form of free, healthful groceries. They are a welcoming, fresh food, full-choice pantry providing hot meals, home delivery, and pet food distributions. Their food-rescue program is one of the largest in the city of Chicago. TFC serves over 5,000 neighbors facing hunger each month. Learn more on their website
Donation Drop-Off Locations
Gio’s Bar and Grill | 4857 N Damen Ave
Open Hours:
- Mon-Thurs: 3:30pm -12am
- Fri & Sat: 11am – 2am
- Sun: 11am – 12am
Gio’s is accepting all items in line with The Friendship Center’s Donation Guidelines.
Platform 47 | 4709 N Damen Ave
Open Hours:
- Mon & Wed: 3pm – 11pm
- Thurs: 3pm – 12am
- Fri: 3pm – 1am
- Sat: 12pm – 1am
- Sun: 12pm – 11pm
- Closed Tuesdays
Platform 47 is accepting all items in line with The Friendship Center’s Donation Guidelines.
Ponnopozz | 1966 W Montrose Ave
Open Hours:
- Mon, Thurs, Fri: 12pm – 7pm
- Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
- Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Ponnopozz is accepting diapers, baby wipes, menstrual products, and other personal hygiene items in line with TFC’s Donation Guidelines.
More Ways to Give
Want to add to this list? Email local volunteering and donation opportunities to Grace Pulliam (grace@ravenswoodchicago.org)!
- Volunteer with or donate to The Friendship Center.
- Volunteer with or donate to Ravenswood Community Services (RCS).
- Volunteer with or donate to Common Pantry.
- Volunteer with the Ravenswood Neighbors Association (RNA).
- Participate in RNA’s First Fridays Food Drive. Ravenswood Neighbors Association is running First Fridays to bring in donations for RCS.
- Subscribe to the GRCC Newsletter to receive weekly updates on local drives, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities.
