Parishioner Maxine Murphy, a long-time member of CHFS, nominated St. Jerome for the grant to help assist the parish Food Bus and Outreach programs.

The food bus is the Mobile Kitchen Ministry, sponsored by The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Belleville, Illinois Council. For nearly 15 years, volunteers from St. Jerome Parish have prepared and served hot meals twice a month to residents of East St. Louis. Nearly 100 families are currently involved in the ministry as cooks, servers, drivers or dessert bakers.

Catholic Holy Family Society is a fraternal benefit organization providing life insurance to Catholics and their families. Fraternal benefit societies operate with a blend of business and volunteerism. For more info about CHFS, call (618) 233-0286, or visit the Web site, www.chfsociety.org.