Rockdale Families,
With the halt of SNAP benefits beginning November 1st, we understand this change may impact many of our families. To help support our community, we’ve compiled a list of food pantries and meal programs in the Joliet area.
If you or your family are experiencing food insecurity, please reach out to The Rockdale Care Closet. We will do our best to provide assistance or connect you to local resources.
Below is a list of area food pantries and community meal sites. Please note that some locations may have been missed.
The Northern Illinois Food Bank supplies food to many of these pantries and anticipates a significant increase in need. Their website offers valuable information for individuals seeking food, as well as for those interested in donating or volunteering: https://solvehungertoday.org.
MONDAY
Spanish Community Center
309 Eastern Avenue | 815-727-3683 | spanishcenter.org
Drive-through model from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for seniors, people with disabilities, and walk-up clients. No ID or income verification required. Visit www.spanishcenter.org/pantry to volunteer.
Judson Church Soul Food Pantry
2800 Black Road | 815-725-6835 | judsonchurchjoliet.com/ministries/soul-food-pantry
2nd & 4th Monday at 1:00 p.m. No ID or proof of income required. Drive-through service.
St. John the Baptist
260 Division Street | 815-727-4788
9:00–11:00 a.m. (60435 residents). Volunteers welcome Wednesday mornings.
Lively Hope Church of God
308 N Midland | 815-741-2377
Every 3rd Monday from 1:00–3:00 p.m.
TUESDAY
Spanish Community Center
309 Eastern Avenue | 815-727-3683
Drive-through model for vehicles only, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Warren-Sharpe Community Center
454 South Joliet | 815-722-2727 | warren-sharpecommunitycenter.org
10:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (August–May). Bring ID and bags.
HEAL Riverwalk Food Pantry
350 N Broadway | 815-770-5672
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Will County residents). Volunteers and donations needed.
THURSDAY
Second Baptist Church
156 S Joliet | 815-726-3731
12:00–4:00 p.m.
Family Outreach Program
1701 N Larkin | 866-730-9567
7:00–9:00 a.m. Call ahead to verify eligibility.
St. John Lutheran Church
2650 Plainfield Road | 815-439-2320 | stjohnfood.org
Order between noon Tuesday and noon Thursday; pickup Thursday evening.
FRIDAY
Morningstar Mission Drop-In Center
364 East Washington | 815-722-5780 | morningstarmission.org
Register at 8:00 a.m. Valid ID required. Attend chapel before food distribution.
SATURDAY
Christ Temple Food Pantry
212 Richards | 815-722-3505
1:00–3:00 p.m. (4th Saturday). ID checked for frequency only.
St. John Lutheran Church
2650 Plainfield Road | 815-439-2320
8:00–10:00 a.m. All are welcome. Register online before your first visit. No proof of ID or income. Volunteers will load groceries into your cleared out trunk. https://www.stjohnfood.org
Daily Meal
Catholic Charities Daybreak Shelter – Shepherd’s Table
611 E Cass | 815-774-4663 | catholiccharitiesjoliet.org/daybreak-center
Free midday meal served daily.
Rockdale Care Closet Contact Information
If you are in need of assistance, please reach out to us directly:
Alana Hamilton
ahamilton@rockdale84.org
815-725-5321 ext. 251
Stephanie Shear
sshear@rockdale84.org
Also, if anyone is interested in donating non perishable food items to the Care Closet to help support our community, please contact us to set up a drop off/pick up time. Your generosity helps make a meaningful difference for Rockdale families in need.
Hello, Rams!
We are excited to celebrate Halloween with all of you tomorrow. Our yearly Halloween parade will be held OUTSIDE this year. Students have a parade route they will walk and families will have a designated spot to stand in order to watch the parade. We will begin letting visitors on the blacktop at 9:45 a.m. and there will be staff members outside to guide you to the appropriate spots. The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.
As a reminder, tomorrow is a half day. All students MUST be picked up by 12:30 p.m. There will be no staff available for student supervision after 12:30 p.m. We can't wait to see you at the parade!
Friday is Halloween at Rockdale, and we can't wait to celebrate with our students. Please see the flyer attached for more information about our Halloween parade and classroom parties.
As a reminder, no blood, gore, or weapons are allowed at school. Masks can be worn during the school parade, but only if they are appropriate for school and follow the rules mentioned above.
Remember, Friday, October 31st is a HALF DAY. All students must be picked up by 12:30 p.m. There will be no staff available for supervision after this time.
We cannot wait to host another family night soon!
Parents and Families of 5th-8th grade students, please check your email for additional dance information.
Hello Rockdale Families,
The boys basketball season is right around the corner! The first practice will be held on Monday, October 20th, 2025.
If your son is interested in participating this season, please read through and complete the sign-up form below as soon as possible:
Boys Basketball 2025-2026 Sign-Up Form
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mr. Hamilton at bhamilton@rockdale84.org
Please complete the attached form and return it with payment to reserve your spot by this Thursday, October 9th.
Be sure to schedule a time to meet with your child's teacher to discuss their progress so far this school year.
If you have questions, please reach out to your child's homeroom teacher or the main office.
As a reminder, October 9 is a 12:30 dismissal and there will be no school on October 10 or October 13.
Students will have time to shop the fair October 6-9 during the school day, and the book fair will be open to families during Parent Teacher Conferences October 9 from 3:30-7:30 PM and October 10 from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM.
Can't shop with us in-person? The online shop will be open until October 19.
Go to: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/rockdaleelementaryschool for more information.
Family Literacy Night is FINALLY here! We can't wait to see you TONIGHT from 5:30-7:00 PM for games, snacks, and reading!
The blacktop will be open for parking. Please enter through Door E (the "ramp door").
Be sure to come in your camping attire to be entered into a raffle for a prize!
All students who attend will earn a homework pass!
Can't make it to Family Literacy Night? Be on the look out for more information about more of our upcoming family nights soon!
Our Family Literacy Night is TOMORROW, October 1st!
Join us from 5:30-7:00 PM for games, snacks, and reading!
Students who come dressed in camping attire will be entered for the chance to win a PRIZE!
ALL students who attend will receive a HOMEWORK PASS!
