COOL Ministries
COOL is a not for profit organization in Lake County Illinois operating two food pantry sites and a Transitional Family Housing Program assisting families in need since 1983.
Keywords: C.O.O.L. (Christian Outreach of Lutherans) Food Pantry, Transitional Housing, Lake County, IL
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
COOL has been assisting our neighbors in need since January of 1983.
What is your primary product or service?
COOL provides free emergency food supplies at two area Food Pantries and provides assistance to homeless families with children with the COOL Family Housing program which provides transitional housing to 12 families at any given time.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
The COOL Food Pantry East is open 5 days per week year round. COOL operates two food pantries so that the organization can assist families throughout Lake County. COOL Family Housing consists of 12 scattered sites of various sizes including 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom units.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
COOL has two food pantry locations and 12 family housing units.
Provide detailed directions to your location
COOL Food Pantry East is located in Waukegan, Illinois on Glen Flora Ave. approximately 1/2 mile West of Sheridan Rd at the intersection of Chestnut St and Glen Flora accross the street from Family Video and near St. Anastasia Parish.
COOL Food Pantry West is located at 25519 W. Highway 134 in Ingleside at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. You will find Pantry West in the basement area of the church by simply following the signs at Trinity. The church is located about 2 miles West of the Village of Round Lake.
What type of payments do you accept?
COOL services are free. Donations can be made by check or by credit card at www.coolministries.org via paypal.
Which areas do you service?
COOL serves all of Lake County Illinois.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
COOL is governed by a voluntary board of directors and employs 7 staff members including Diane Thackston: Executive Director, Gayle Olson: Pantry Operations Manager, and Mindy Lindholm: Family Housing Case Manager.
What are your hours of operation?
COOL Food Pantry East is open Monday - Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Pantry West in Ingleside is open on Mondays from 11 AM - 3 PM and on Wednesdays from 10 AM - 2 PM. Office hours are by appointment only.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That we helped a family become self sufficient.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Mathew 25:35
For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: