Plainfield Couple’s Legacy Gift supports Food Bank’s Mission

Carolyn and Fred Martens cared deeply for others. During their marriage of 65 years, they strengthened their community both personally and professionally. They always had deep empathy for those in need and experienced great joy in helping others.

In fact, when Carolyn passed away in 2020, after Fred’s passing in 2012, Northern Illinois Food Bank received a gift from their estate, to ensure neighbors would continue to have the food they need to thrive.

Carolyn and Fred truly believed that when people come together to make a difference, everyone benefits, and they experienced how Northern Illinois Food Bank lives that out.

A few years ago, Carolyn volunteered for the first time at a Mobile Market distribution hosted by the Food Bank in Joliet. She jumped in wherever she was needed, greeting each neighbor with a smile and making them feel welcome and valued. She left feeling fulfilled.

She shared with Food Bank staff that she was “impressed with the efficiency of the distribution, the quality of the food, and the gratitude shown by the neighbors.”

Today, their legacy of supporting their community is continuing through a fund they established with The Community Foundation of Will County.

Carolyn and Fred’s estate gift to Northern Illinois Food Bank will provide an annual gift to the Food Bank that will be added to a new endowment fund, which will generate funds to support the work of the Food Bank—helping neighbors—for years to come.

Our profound thanks go out to Carolyn and Fred for their decades of selfless service. If you would like to follow their lead and include the Food Bank in your own will, we would be honored.