DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Northeast Community Fund took the phrase, "love thy neighbor," and put it into action during a community-wide donation drive.
People poured back into the community by driving up and dropping off donations.
"Every person that walks through Northeast doors, you are very special. This is a Christian organization. So, it says, love thy neighbors. What does God say [about] love? So that's what we do. We show love to each and every one that walks through those doors," said Lillie Rainey, director of donations.
The annual initiative called for community members to donate as much as possible. From clothes to hygiene necessities, Millikin University football player Collin Cramer said no donation was too small.
"You could be impacting someone's life, even something as so little. And conserving that one man's trash is another man's treasure," Cramer said.
This mission was all hands-on deck; some members of the Millikin football team joined in on the joy. Every car that pulled in to donate got a round of applause.
"It's important for the donors to have a nice, welcoming environment so that they can come in and donate and keep coming back. And also, just seeing the smiles on other people's faces," said Mikah Hall, a Millikin football player.
Rainey said everyone needs a little sunshine.
"It's always a joy when I get up in the morning that I know I'm going to help somebody. So that's the impact on somebody's life. Somebody needs a hug. Somebody needs somebody to talk to," Rainey said.
The nonprofit had a $25,000 donation goal by 4 p.m. and made $21,961. All clothes donations will go to the clothing store, where those in need can shop for free.
Northeast Community Fund accepts donations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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