Immersive volunteer events, organized by Gay For Good Chicago, redefine socially conscious fun while supporting inclusivity.
Bridging the cultural gap between Chicago’s LGBTQ+ individuals and the greater community sometimes starts with a simple act of giving back, like volunteering at a food pantry or cleaning up the debris at Osterman Beach on the city’s far north side.
Gay For Good (G4G) Chicago—part of a national network of 17 chapters—seeks to overcome ignorance through action by partnering with other social welfare and environmental service projects. G4G Chicago has participated in 102 service projects since its inception in 2011, with at least 30 different groups, including Friends of the Forest Preserves, Ravenswood Community Services Mobile Pantry, St. James Food Pantry, Cradles to Crayons, and the Hearts and Flour Bakery at Misericordia, to name a few.
“There’s just this resounding positivity that comes from working with other service groups,” says Matt Belcher, who along with James Richard and Ryan Thompto, is a G4G Chicago chapter leader.
By: Tony Peregrin, Chicago Reader