‘A Story of True Kindness’
By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post
This week, the not-for-profit Stuffed Love organization celebrates its 14th anniversary of bringing love and hope to people across the Chicago area.
Playing a key role in that celebration is Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors.
In what Stuffed Love officials called “a story of true kindness that has touched Stuffed Love and our community,” they expressed gratitude to Randazzo.
“When we needed a pantry (at the new Stuffed Love food distribution facility at 5522 S. Pulaski), we put out a call for help,” Stuffed Love founder Sarah Dynia said.
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| Larry Lazarus, Mark Dynia, Geno Randazzo |
“In no time, Geno of All Exterior Contractors responded with open arms. He not only donated his labor, but when our fundraiser faced a hurdle, he generously covered all materials in celebration of Stuffed Love’s anniversary.
“This isn’t just community support—it’s family. Thanks to Geno and Larry (AEC's project manager), our pantry is now complete, with the doors going up just yesterday. We are incredibly grateful for their kindness, which has made such a difference for us and the community. Thank you, Geno and Larry, for standing with us!”
“This isn’t just community support—it’s family. Thanks to Geno and Larry (AEC's project manager), our pantry is now complete, with the doors going up just yesterday. We are incredibly grateful for their kindness, which has made such a difference for us and the community. Thank you, Geno and Larry, for standing with us!”
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| Geno Randazzo, Mark Dynia, Larry Lazarus |
Randazzo, who for years has built a reputation for helping people and groups in need—especially senior citizens, military veterans and first responders—deflected the praise back on Stuffed Love.
“We were pleased and privileged to do all we can to help, knowing that the new Stuffed Love facility is helping feed literally thousands of hungry men, women and children across the Southwest Side,” Randazzo said. “Knowing that people—especially children—won’t have to go to bed hungry is all the thanks we need.”
Background
Sarah Dynia's journey with Stuffed Love began in November 2010 during her eighth-grade year at St. Linus School in Oak Lawn. Driven by a desire to make a difference, Sarah embarked on a mission to spread love and comfort to those in need. Sarah launched Stuffed Love with a simple yet powerful goal: to create hand-stitched stuffed animals as symbols of care and compassion.
She distributed the hand sewn, stuffed pillows to veterans, seniors, people with disabilities and the homeless, as well as children in hospitals.
Stuffed Love later began feeding the hungry and today operates its community food pantry on property that UI Health allows them to use.
To learn more, follow Stuffed Love on Facebook.
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