September 29, 2021 – Serving the community has always been goal number one for the WSOY Community Food Drive. However, those who aided the growth of the drive remember how it all came to be.
From creating and agreement with Kroger to spreading the word each and every year, community members have been involved in growing the event to surpass donation goals for the past 19 years.
Joel Fletcher, former WSOY general manager and current director of the HSHS foundation, said, “[The food drive] has evolved over the years in a number of ways. The organizational effort has changed dramatically, and as the old saying goes, it’s a well-oiled machine.”
“Every year the WSOY Community Food Drive reminds me that people in this area are incredibly generous,” Fletcher continued, “It’s a special day that brings everyone together for all the right reasons.”
From the beginning, expectations have been exceeded and lives have been blessed by the many generous donations.
“I think that first year we did about 25-35,000 pounds,” Jim Peck, mayor of Forsyth, said, “I don’t really think we knew what to expect that first year. But I do remember it was more than what the goal was. That quickly changed from putting [everything] in a panel truck to even the second year going to a semi.”
Kevin Breheny, local businessman and co-founder of the WSOY Food Drive, emphasized, “Probably more important than anything was the initiative to get the schools involved.”
Fletcher agreed, “Getting the area schools involved was a fantastic idea in so many ways. It has given students an opportunity to learn and experience the joy of serving others. The competition factor has also been a great motivator for schools, because in addition to being a huge part of this event, they are rewarded by their efforts.”
Other factors have gone into the success of this event. Breheny continued, ““The idea to get the radio station involved was…a golden idea. The community bought into it, and it went from 35,000 pounds the first year to 1.5 million pounds just 20 years later.”
The food drive has taken place at Kroger on Route 36 over the years, and their involvement has helped the success of the event more than the eye might see.
“Kroger was involved right from the get-go, and I can’t say enough about them. They have stepped up and done everything those guys have asked of them: from providing a place to put this event on to even writing a check themselves,” Peck stated.
“Kroger has really become engaged over the years,” Fletcher said, “I love the fact that many area corporations, companies, community leaders and churches are coming together for this effort.”
As the food drive reaches its 20th year, there is much to remember from years past.
“My favorite part is listening all day to community leaders, students and people from all walks of life share their stories about being part of the food drive,” Fletcher continued, “I often think of those students who, many years ago, participated in the food drive as teenagers, and are now perhaps married with kids of their own.”
“I feel blessed to be a part of this community and be able to watch something like this event happen. It is amazing and I don’t think anybody could have dreamt of the drive being so successful,” Breheny stated.
“This has been a fantastic event from year one to now. It has increased every year. When the Howard G. Buffett Foundation got involved, that is when the drive really took off,” Peck said.
“People of our community really love to focus on helping others,” Peck continued, “a lot of it is that Central Illinois mentality and those values that we were raised on.”
Fletcher finished, “There is a great sense of accomplishment by all involved at the end of the day. It is amazing.”
For more information on the WSOY Food Drive, click here.
