Community Programs

Crete Food Pantry

As the winter season approaches, the Crete Pantry is experiencing hard times. With rising gas prices and high unemployment, we are helping more families each week. Churches and individuals have been generous but filling empty shelves every other week is costly.

The Crete Pantry is entirely a volunteer run organization that has been in existence for over 31 years. We have no paid personnel nor do we accept any government funds or food. The gift given goes directly to those who need our help.

Gifts are tax deductible and may be mailed to The Crete Pantry at 1367 Wood Street, Crete, IL 60417 or brought into the Township office at the Wood Street Address.

If extra giving to help the hungry is a tradition in your family, we hope you will consider the Pantry—helping those in your own community who need your help.

Public Action to Deliver Shelter (P.A.D.S.)

In the Fall & Winter months CUMC assumes the responsibility for staffing our local PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) site the fourth Thursday of each month from October through March. Volunteers are the key to our success .

As a PADS volunteer you can help our guests by providing food, shelter and kindness to those who are facing homelessness. Whether you welcome people as they walk through the door, handout blankets, provide lunch and breakfast items or preserve the peace and security by working the 2nd or 3rd shift , or providing financial support - your contribution is vital. Envelopes marked for Pads will be in the Narthex for financial contributions. It costs us approximately $150 to $200 a night to care for our guests.

Please email us at office@creteumc.org or call Sharon at 708-672-8353 if you can help us with this mission or have questions.