DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Local farmers have once again turned their harvest into hope through the Salvation Army’s annual Grain Donation Drive.
The program allows area producers to donate a portion of their corn or soybeans at participating elevators, with proceeds directly supporting the Salvation Army’s mission to serve families and individuals across Macon County.
David Goebel, a Mount Zion resident and member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, has volunteered with the organization for more than a year. He said seeing the impact firsthand inspired him to get involved with the fundraiser.
“Until you actually get into the building and see all the things that they’re doing there, it’s really incredible—and it all takes money,” Goebel said.
Goebel said Evan Hall repurposed the grain cart used to haul the donations. That cart allows him to visit fields during harvest to collect donations.
“I just look for the smoke and dust coming off the combines,” Goebel laughed. “I pull off to the side and remind folks of all the good things the Salvation Army’s doing.”
The organization offers a men's shelter, a food pantry, the Pathway of Hope program and a local emergency aid program.
Farmers can donate grain directly in the field or by transferring it at several area elevators, including Topflight Grain, Legacy, Assumption Co-op Grain, Farmers Grain and Osbernville.
“They can donate it when they're bringing their own grain to an elevator and just ask them to transfer it to our account," Goebel said.
The grain drive runs through the end of harvest, typically wrapping up in mid-November, but Goebel said donations can be made any time of year by transferring grain to the Salvation Army’s account.
Farmers interested in donating can contact the Salvation Army office in downtown Decatur for details 217-428-4672.
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