Chicago Volunteers

BP Volunteers Chicago began as Amocares in 1993 with a focus on encouraging Amoco retirees and their spouses to become actively involved in volunteer leadership and services.

Our history

BP Volunteers Chicago began as Amocares in 1993 with a focus on encouraging Amoco retirees and their spouses to become actively involved in volunteer leadership and services. Initially, we distributed and repaired excess BP computers, office furniture, etc. to non-profit organization. Individual members have always donated time and money to worthy organization but under Amocares, a signature activity was necessary. The Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) fulfilled the need of a worthy organization and we could work as a group. The GCFD started in 1979 with 22 food donors and they distributed 471,000 pounds of food to 85 agencies.

We now have a total of 141 volunteers with 14 members heading our Leadership Team. At the end of 2002, the group volunteered a total of 37,300 hours for the year which included our signature project, Greater Chicago Food Depository. This organization makes an impact on feeding the less fortunate. They distributed over 36 million pounds of food last year. They are eager to distribute 40 million pounds this year, serving the needy through soup kitchens, shelters, and pantries. Our group helps by packing over 2,240 bags or 3,360 lbs. of pasta during one morning; 5 skids of pasta another morning, Our third visit might involve packing frozen items or personal products in boxes, ready to be sent to the needy.

In addition, our group individually volunteers their time to various organizations in their neighborhoods. Some of these activities included support for Adler Planetarium, Adult Roller Skaters (60 to 82 years old), American Red Cross, Chicago Department on Aging, Christ Hospital, Hispanic Ministries of NW Suburban, Ingalls Memorial Hospital for Infant Hearing, Lambs Farm, Meals on Wheels, NW and South Suburban PADS, Races/Walks, Saints for the Performing Arts, Thorek Hospital, Women's Center, and many more.