Publications & Sites 
Libertyville resident makes giving his living
Bill Johnson, shown at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville, received the Monsignor Holbrook Award from Catholic Charities of Lake County. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: January 14, 2013 6:03AM
LIBERTYVILLE — Giving back to those in need is the cornerstone of Bill Johnson’s life. And it’s why he was awarded the Monsignor Holbrook Award from Catholic Charities of Lake County. For three years, Johnson, a Libertyville resident, has helped to provide food for the Catholic Charities Food Pantry in Waukegan by working with a food broker. The need, he said, is greater than ever. Giving to the needy should be a part of everyone’s life, he said.
Q: How did you start to collect food for the needy?
A: I met Paul Riehs, a wholesale food broker. We started talking about the need out there. He said maybe I can help you. He shops wholesale markets for food for the needy. He’s a bulk buyer of foods. We meet every couple of weeks or so, and he brings me a list of what he purchased for the needy. The food is then dropped off at the (Catholic Charities) drop center.
Q: How many years have you been on the Catholic Charities Services Board of Advisers?
A: I’ve been a board member for three years.
Q: What other volunteer work have you done?
A: I work with OMNI Youth Services. OMNI is a wonderful place that works with kids from bad homes. OMNI counsels these kids on an outpatient basis (13,000-14,000 kids a year). I’ve been a volunteer there for 30 years or so.
Q: How has volunteering your time to help others changed/shaped your life?
A: The bottom line is really that we have been very blessed with so much. If you have a lot then you’d better turn around and give to those who are in need.
Q: Why would you encourage others to volunteer?
A: Basically you look around and there have been so many kids in need. The need for food has increased 50 percent in the last few years. This is typical of most food pantries.
Q: What does it mean to you to win the award?
A: I get a lot of satisfaction giving food to help people. This is just kind of a behind-the-scenes thing that we do.
