King-Bruwaert House employee assists with community support

Teamwork makes it happen. Adam Reyes knows this firsthand, not only from his position as Assistant Director of Building and Grounds for the King-Bruwaert House Maintenance Department, but also from his volunteer work in helping families in need. An active member of Hope Church of LaGrange, he is a leader with the church’s Convoy of Hope Response Team and has also been assisting with local disaster relief. He works with other team members to collect, sort, pack and distribute groceries to those struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic.

“Our (church) team was activated in March and we’ve been constantly busy,” Reyes said. “We are helping people who are out of work, those with immune deficiencies, the elderly and many who are under quarantine. Our current campaign is helping 850 families, 350 babies and 350 seniors – and we expect these numbers to go up.”

Hinsdale resident and fellow Hope Church member Natalie Sabos, who also spearheads Disaster Service activities, shares generous words about Reyes’ extraordinary commitment to helping others.

“He is 100 percent dedicated – always willing to jump in when we need him,” Sabos said. “He steps in to break down boxes, load vans – whatever it takes,” she said. “His attitude is always so positive.”

A 6-year member of Hope Church, Reyes serves as a deacon, church board member, Convoy of Hope board member and Response Team member/leader. The church accepts donations to support the activities that benefit individuals and families. Cash donations also support the efforts, allowing for items to be purchased at the lowest possible prices from local stores.

“We buy things in quantity and are able to stretch the (donated) dollars by buying at wholesale prices or at cost,” Reyes said.

Among the biggest needs during the pandemic have been Ramen noodles, spaghetti and pasta, spaghetti sauce and rice. Infant formula and diapers also were identified needs.

As an example of Reyes’ commitment to relief activities, he was asked one day to go out and purchase items to fill 500 grocery bags – all with like products. The task involved many hours of shopping at different stores to ensure that all the bags were filled equally. Reyes and his wife, Brandi, started the project early in the morning and finished in the evening – working straight through to get it done.

“He starts – he finishes,” Sabos said. “When he commits to doing something, he won’t stop until the job is done.”

Reyes also has been involved with the annual Convoy of Hope back-to-school project that takes place in August at Marquette Park in Chicago. This outreach project partners with many other regional churches and benefits up to 12,000 families who receive backpacks for children, school supplies, shoes for children and women, bags of groceries and a prayer sheet. Veterans’ services, free haircuts and health screenings are also available, plus a resource booth to help people learn more and prepare for job opportunities. Many major businesses participate in this program to connect with potential employees. This year Reyes will be organizing and leading safety and security for the program - certainly no small task for what is expected to be the largest crowd ever in the four years of the sponsored event.

“It’s all about logistics,” Reyes said. “We spend time discussing all the planning and set-up. “We will have many volunteers helping and it all comes together.”

From his childhood days, Reyes worked long days on Habitat for Humanity projects with his father and learned the importance of community service. Now in his mid-30s, he continues to be a busy man, but also a devoted husband and father. His wife, Brandi, helps with the Response Team and their three children also assist. “They’re always willing to help,” he said.

Reyes is proud that his children are learning early to devote time to those in need. He prioritizes his faith and uses his skills and interests to help others.