St. Mark's Pumpkin Patch Celebrates 20 Years

Pumpkin shoppers in Glen Elly and nearby towns don't have to go far to pick the perfect pumpkin. St. Mark's Episcopal Church has run its Pumpkin Patch on its front lawn since 2006. And for the past 20 years, net proceeds have supported DuPagePads' efforts to end homelessness. Pumpkins with a purpose, if you will.

"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."

The Pumpkin Patch operates with a kind-hearted approach: It's 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.

St. Mark's is also planning a Pumpkin Patch 20th Celebration for Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on St. Mark's, visit www.stmarksglenellyn.org.

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 on DuPagePads and to donate, visit dupagepads.org.