Local Heroes: Crystal Lake Food Pantry Volunteers Honored with Dedicated Street Name

Recently, a section of East Street in Crystal Lake was named in honor of Paul and Marilyn Georgy for their decades of service to the community. This recognition came during a City Council meeting, marking their contributions to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and other local causes.

Paul Georgy, who passed away on December 5 at age 74, was heavily involved with the food pantry for over 40 years. His son, Steve, shared that the Georgys first sought help from the pantry when they struggled to put food on their table. Their commitment to giving back blossomed from that experience.

Marilyn served as the pantry’s president for nine years, while Paul held the president position recently. Mayor Haig Haleblian noted that their efforts helped transform the pantry into a place that even Governor JB Pritzker deemed “the nicest food pantry I’ve ever been in.” This honor illustrates how deep their roots run in the community.

Statistics highlight a growing need for food assistance. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity affects about 10.5% of U.S. households. This underscores the importance of the Georgys’ work. They played a crucial role in ensuring that families in need received the support they required.

Sharing their values of service and community involvement, the Georgys also contributed to educational institutions like McHenry County College and Southern Illinois University and supported youth sports. Their legacy encourages others in the community to give back, just as they did. As Steve noted, the street sign can inspire residents to remember the importance of generosity. “They’ve shown a whole community how to give with their hearts,” he said.

In reflecting on Paul’s life, his obituary captured his essence: “He found purpose in helping families who were dealt a difficult hand.” This dedication not only impacted individuals but also shaped the community as a whole. Generosity like theirs is what makes a neighborhood thrive.

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