DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — After a short hiatus, the WSOY Community Food Drive returned in October to raise money and gather donations for local food programs.
"During the planning of the return of the WSOY Community Food Drive, agencies were asked to submit their 2025 food budgets to allow us to determine a realistic goal. Based on that data, we aimed to fulfill 75% of our local pantries’ food budget needs. This collaborative approach allowed us to maximize impact and ensure vital resources reach every corner of our community,” said Brian Byers, WSOY Community Food Drive co-founder and Vice President of Development for Decatur Central Illinois Media Group.
The drive has collected over 23 millions pounds of food during the past 20 years.
"In the spirit of unity and kindness, our community came together to fill every shelf and heart. Thanks to the generosity of neighbors, we’ve not only stocked local pantries but also uplifted lives, proving once again that together, we are unstoppable," said Kevin Breheny, community leader, and WSOY Community Food Drive co-founder.
The leaders and community partners involved in the drive included WSOY, NowDecatur, United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois, ADM, Kroger, and community partners; Buds and Blooms, Central Illinois Media Group, Colee’s Corner Drug, Dales Southlake Pharmacy, Decatur Back and Neck, Dynagraphics, First Mid Bank and Insurance Group, Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, Hickory Point Bank, Investment Planners Inc., Jones and Thomas/JT Net, McDonald's Decatur, McLeod Express, Skeff Distributing, Speed Lube, and WAND News.
"It’s such an honor to be a part of the WSOY Community Food Drive. Through this food drive we get to see firsthand how small acts of kindness make an important impact on so many lives. Our community showed their selflessness and desire to make a difference " said Debbie Bogle, President, United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois.
Clay Gerhard, Food Drive Logistics Director, was honored with the Central Illinois Media Group Community Service Award his dedication in volunteering.
The following organizations were awarded grants from the money raised:
- Catholic Charities - $127,500
- Good Samaritan Inn - $61,250
- Northeast Community Fund Thanksgiving Basket Project – $127,500
- Helping Hands Food Pantry - $6,375
- Interchurch Council of Blue Mound Boody and Stonington- $20,250
- Mt Zion Food Pantry – $6,750
- Maroa Public Library Food Pantry - $1500
- Niantic Christian Church Food Pantry - $5,620
- Veterans Assistance Commission Complimentary Meeting Food Supply Fund - $1125
- Salvation Army – $101,746
- Northeast Community Fund Food Pantry - $112,500
- Northeast Community Fund Mobile Pantry - $37,500
- Gods Shelter of Love - $7,500
- AMELCA- $24,863
- RCC Food Pantry - $4,800
- Crossing Prescription Garden Program $14,000
- New Vision Food Pantry - $30,000
- Water Street Mission - $10,000
Cash prizes were also awarded to local schools that raised funds for the drive.
- 1st place – St. Teresa High School -$5000
- 1st place – St. Patrick's School - $5000
- 3rd place – Mt Zion High School - $2000
- 4th place – Holy Family - $1500
- 5th place – Our Lady of Lourdes - $1000
Due to community support, WSOY announced that the drive would be returning in 2025.
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