DuPagePads is profoundly grateful to announce the return of the St. Mark’s Pumpkin Patch, a cherished community tradition that has been supporting DuPagePads for 20 years. Located on the front lawn of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, on Main Street near downtown Glen Ellyn, the Pumpkin Patch operates with a kind-hearted approach: open 24 hours a day to accommodate any schedule. This model ensures that everyone can partake in the joy of picking the perfect pumpkin while giving back to our neighbors experiencing homelessness
DuPagePads President & CEO April Redzic and Development Assistant Tristan Ylinen select their perfect pumpkin!
“The St. Mark’s Pumpkin Patch is a celebration of community, generosity, caring for others, and of course, pumpkins!” says Rev. George D. Smith, Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. “The Patch is a true sacrament—an outward sign of spiritual grace.”
St. Mark’s has raised over $146,000 for DuPagePads’ mission to end homelessness since the Pumpkin Patch began in 2006. These funds are critical in sustaining DuPagePads’ pioneering Interim Housing Center (IHC). Opened in 2022, the IHC gives safe shelter, supportive care, and nutritious meals to over 300 individuals, including more than 140 children, each night.
“Each year as the fall season arrives everyone looks forward to the return of the famous Pumpkin Patch and the kindness generated by every neighbor who purchases their pumpkins at St. Mark’s in Glen Ellyn,” shares Chad Pedigo, DuPagePads Chief Development Officer. “The proceeds generated from the pumpkin sales provide more neighbors with access to safe shelter and the resources to successfully end their homelessness. We are sincerely grateful to the Pumpkin Patch organizers and all the volunteers who help make this needed kindness possible just as the colder months arrive and bring more dangerous challenges for families and individuals living without access to safe shelter.”
DuPagePads is grateful to St. Marks for 20 years of dedicated support to its mission to end homelessness. Pumpkins will arrive on Saturday, October 3rd! St. Mark’s is also planning a Pumpkin Patch 20th Celebration for October 17th. Gather your family and head over to St. Mark’s in Glen Ellyn to select your perfect pumpkin with purpose for DuPagePads. Every donation helps support efforts to end homelessness in DuPage County. For more information and to donate, visit www.dupagepads.org.