In the spirit of the holidays, The Grand Food Center unveiled a year-end, gift card promotion to raise money for its neighbor, Family Service of Glencoe.  Promising a portion of its gift card sales through Dec. 31, the grocer raised more than $400 for the Glencoe non-profit that assists local residents with counseling services and support.

“As a local grocer, we're reminded each year how important it is to shop local," explains Chris Barber, Grand Food Center co-owner. "As a local agency, Family Service of Glencoe continues to provide vital services to our shoppers and staff,” he says. “This was just one way we could acknowledge their diligent efforts.”

Among its many service offerings, Family Service of Glencoe provides individual and family counseling on a sliding fee scale. Located just down the street from the grocer, Family Service of Glencoe will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2014.

“We’re very pleased with the support of The Grand Food Center,” says Susan Cowen, Executive Director, Family Service of Glencoe. Local partnerships like these, she adds, helps the agency to serve as many Glencoe residents as possible.

“With the good fortune that many of us enjoy, it's difficult for some to imagine how there could be people in need in Glencoe," Cowen says. "The individuals and families we work with face the very same issues you would see across the socioeconomic spectrum,” she adds. “All families are vulnerable to the same struggles and losses, and have the same needs for connection, understanding and support."

The Grand Food Center's generosity, Cowen adds, will help the organization to continue to offer its family-strengthening programs and services for those who live and work in Glencoe. "Including those," the executive director says, "who might otherwise not be able to afford them."

Family Service of Glencoe is located at 675 Village Court. For more information, visit familyserviceofglencoe.org  or call 847-835-5111.