Our charity partner this year is the St. John Food Pantry in Will County, Illinois. This nonprofit organization serves the northern Illinois region and provides over 45,000 pounds of food each month to families in need.

To help them help others, we’re collecting food and supplies for St. John at AWX! You can enjoy the con and have a chance to win fabulous prizes, all while improving the quality of life for a local family. Win-win, right?

What Can I Donate?

Food pantries distribute more than just food! St. John is in particular need of new, sealed personal hygiene supplies such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, toilet paper, etc. You can also donate nonperishable food items such as canned fruits and vegetables or boxed meal mixes. Please do not bring opened/expired products or perishable items such as fresh produce or anything that needs to be refrigerated.

What’s In It For Me?

We know helping others is its own reward, but we also want to reward you for your generosity! For every two items you donate, you’ll receive a ticket to enter our prize drawing. We’ll draw for prizes each day of the convention, with a grand prize winner drawn at closing ceremonies on Sunday. Prizes include manga, DVDs, even a free badge to next year’s convention!

How Many Prize Tickets Can I Earn?

How many donation items can you carry? Divide that number in two, and you’ll have your answer!

I Can’t Bring A Donation Item. Can I Still Help?

Of course! All proceeds from our Charity Date Auction go toward the food pantry, so you can help by volunteering to be auctioned off, or by bidding on a date to raise money. (You’ll earn prize tickets for your participation in the auction, as well!)