48 Volunteers Pack 3,250 Care Kits for Veterans, First Responders

When 48 volunteers gathered in Carol Stream on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, they had one mission: turn compassion into action for those who serve our communities.

Support Over Stigma hosted its annual MLK Day of Service on January 19, bringing together community members to support veterans, first responders, and people facing homelessness across DuPage County. From the youngest helpers to local officials, volunteers spent the day packing essentials that would reach hundreds of people in need.

The numbers tell a powerful story. Volunteers assembled 400 shelf-stable meals to fight food insecurity and 250 blessing bags specifically for homeless veterans, each filled with toiletries, socks, and grab-and-go protein snacks. They packed 2,500 snack kits for first responders and 100 care bags for the VA to distribute to homeless veterans.

"Everyone can be great because everyone can serve," said Zoeie Kreiner, founder and CEO of Support Over Stigma, echoing Dr. King's famous words. She described the day as a reflection of Dr. King's vision of people from all backgrounds uniting for the common good.

The Blue Star Families Chicagoland Chapter joined the effort, alongside DuPage County Board District 6 member James Zay. Generous grants from the Wheaton Elks Lodge and DuPage County Board District 6 made the entire event possible.

The Ripple Effect

This single day of service will touch hundreds of lives across the county. Every blessing bag reminds a homeless veteran they're not forgotten. Every snack pack tells a first responder their work matters. The St. Charles-based nonprofit has created a model of community care that extends far beyond one day, building ongoing support networks for military members, veterans, first responders, and their families through peer support and resource connections.

Support Over Stigma proves that honoring a legacy means showing up with purpose.