About The Unity In Community Foundation

In 2009, we began by raising funds to support local food pantries in Leyden Township. After our 2nd Annual Pre-Holiday Celebration & Food Drive, former Leyden H.S. teacher, Dominic Manola reached out to us asking if we would organize a fundraiser for Lucia Ramirez. At the time, Lucia was a senior at East Leyden H.S. fighting a serious medical condition (today she continues the fight). After meeting with Lucia, we agreed to help. Our 3rd Annual Pre-Holiday Celebration & Food Drive in 2011 was also a benefit for Lucia Ramirez. She was so overcome by the generosity shown to her by the community that she felt called to give back. It was Lucia’s desire to create a Scholarship Program. Two (2) $500.00 Lucia Ramirez Community Involvement Scholarships were awarded to Leyden H.S. students at the end of the school year and the Unity in Community Foundation was born.

We are a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization in good standing with the IRS, Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, and Office of the Illinois Attorney General.

We serve the people who reside within the borders of Leyden Township: Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Northlake, River Grove, Rosemont, Schiller Park, and Unincorporated Leyden Township. “Putting UNITY back in CommUNITY” is our purpose.

Our Programs

Annual Fundraiser and Food Drive (held every Fall) – to fill local food pantries and help an individual or family with a significant need. Scholarships – (6) scholarships totalling $5000.00 are awarded to local high school students at East Leyden, West Leyden, and Elmwood Park High Schools. CommUNITY Helping Hands (formerly Wishes) – developed to help a greater number of families with meeting smaller more immediate needs. Fostering unity by participating in community events such as parades, car shows, village sponsored events, and business sponsored events.

The Unity in Community Foundation, does not endorse any particular candidate for public office or corporate sponsor, and the foundation has no agency relationship with organizations to which it may be linked.