Des Plaines, lll. (Nov. 24, 2025) - With increased demand at local food pantries, there’s never been a better time to give back. Attend the Oakton College Empty Bowls fundraiser on Dec. 6 and take home a beautifully handcrafted bowl. All proceeds will benefit members of our local community facing food insecurity.
Over the past 22 years, Oakton has raised more than $450,000 for local food pantries. This year’s proceeds will go to the Des Plaines Self-Help Closet and Pantry, Interfaith Action of Evanston, Maine Township Food Pantry, New Trier Township Food Pantry, Niles Township Food Pantry and Northfield Township Food Pantry. Funds will also support Oakton’s Caring Closet, where Oakton students can access food and self-care items free of charge.
“Many residents are feeling the impact of increased food insecurity, especially after the recent SNAP delays caused by the government shutdown,” said Katherine Sawyer, Oakton College chief advancement officer.” That’s why this year’s event feels even more important. Our Ceramics Club has worked all year to create bowls and other art pieces to help community members experiencing food insecurity.”
The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus (1600 E. Golf Road) gymnasium and Performing Arts Center lobby. Admission is free, but for a donation of just $20, attendees are welcome to select a bowl and enjoy a lunch of soup and bread, similar to the meal served in soup kitchens. A selection of larger, unique art pieces will also be offered at special discounted prices.
Oakton’s event is part of the Empty Bowls, a nonprofit global movement that has raised millions of dollars for food banks and soup kitchens fighting food insecurity. The event is hosted by the Oakton College Educational Foundation and Ceramics Club. For more information about the event, contact emptybowls@oakton.edu.