Pilgrim Congregational Church takes pride in the success of the donut operation at the Oak Park Farmers Market, but also takes seriously the responsibility of ensuring that our donut quality meets health standards and consumer expectations. Over 40 years ago the church chose to invite local non-profit groups to partner with us to meet these goals. By providing the labor to produce the donuts, a percentage of revenue is shared with the partner.

New partners are trained and supported by Pilgrim with the intent that they will meet our standards and participate in future years. The donut operation sells drinks and donuts from 7 AM to 12:30 PM each Saturday of the Farmers Market, but to do that, we need at least 37 volunteers working 3 ½ hour shifts from 3:30 AM preparation through 1:30 PM cleanup.

Pilgrim continually receives requests from worthy nonprofit organizations to partner and use the donut operation for fundraising and team-building support. There are a limited number of partner slots, and the church has a responsibility to choose partners who will maintain our standards for quality and satisfy the people waiting patiently for their donuts.

Satisfactory and responsible partner groups are invited to participate in following years. It is difficult to predict when a donut partner will choose not to participate, or when a slot will open. At this point, there are no openings for 2024 but local nonprofits are encouraged to reach out to us to join our partner waitlist.

When inviting partner participation, preference is given to established local nonprofits. In terms of a partner’s vision or mission, we seek a balance of groups that serve our community’s needs.

The Farmers Market donut operation is one of the most visible of many ways that Pilgrim Congregational Church serves the community from our historic building and this viability give our partners additional opportunities to market their organization to the Oak Park community. For additional information, please contact the church office at 708-848-5860 or office@pilgrimoakpark.org. Our congregation is thankful for your support; you are always welcome at Pilgrim, for donuts, worship or anything else we do.