Our Story
From the beginning to today, here's our evolving story!
August 29, 2020
The idea!
Korey, founder of GIL, volunteered at a food giveaway at first United Methodist Church. The idea of creating a Micro-Pantry was already on her radar for a few years, and when the church opened their arms, the Micro-Pantry had a home. The proposal was approved within 12 hours! Of course, Korey had to celebrate with elephant ears from a food truck!
October 8, 2020
First Micro-Pantry!
The first Micro-Pantry was established at First United Methodist Church, located at 18420 Burnham Ave. (near door 3) with the help of friends, church members, community members, and family!
November 7, 2020
Micro-Pantry Number two!
The second Micro-Pantry was created with big help from Dave Sherman, who reached out to Korey offering his location, and fellow church members. The Micro-Pantry is located at 3500 Glenwood Lansing Road, near door 14!
December 16, 2020
Micro-Pantry Number Three!
The third Micro-Pantry in Lansing was established on a cold morning, with help from the rest of the Ziemkowski family. After being built in the Ziemkowski garage, the Micro-Pantry found a home at 3440 178th Street, near the glass doors!
April 1, 2021
GIL Food Pantry!
The idea for the GIL Food Pantry located at Lighthouse Community Church was brought to attention by head Pastor, Nate Smith! On that Monday night, ideas were spread and flourishing nonstop!
April 23, 2021
Nonprofit Status!
During a much needed after school nap, Korey woke up to an email congratulating GIL as an official Nonprofit! Within the following days, social media pages, bank accounts, and legal paperwork were finished!
July 31, 2021
The kickoff Food Drive!
After months of planning, GIL hosted their first ever food drive at Lighthouse Community Church to collect food for the GIL Food Pantry, where over a thousand items were collected!
August 30, 2021
Opening of GIL Food Pantry
Exactly one year after the building of the first Micro-Pantry was approved, we opened the GIL Food Pantry. The pantry will be open every other Monday from 5-8pm.
October 23, 2021
Micro-Pantry Number Four!
We expanded our horizons from Lansing into our neighboring community of South Holland by introducing a Micro-Pantry to Christ Our Savior Parish located at 880 E 154th Street!
January 12, 2022
Micro-Pantry Number Five!
GIL has already established a relationship with Lighthouse Community Church, located at 17500 Lighthouse Lance, from the Food Pantry, so we hopped on board to welcome out fifth Micro-Pantry!
September 20, 2022
Micro Pantry Number Six!
After being asked to install a micro pantry, GIL established our sixth location, at 5502 Claude Ave. in Hammond IN, honoring four-year-old, Joy, who is currently fighting childhood cancer.
September 21, 2022
Micro Pantry Number Seven!
Less than 24 hours later, GIL established our seventh micro pantry, at the Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Ave. in Lansing IL, honoring Linda Kocsis who passed away this summer.
November 19, 2022
Micro Pantry Number Eight!
Girl in Lansing was featured in the Ruko Film Festival during the spring of 2022, followed by highlighting GIL and the film with CBS Chicago in February of 2023!
TODAY
What's next?
Stay tuned for new events!