ATTENTION! As of 2025, The WSOY Community Food Drive has a NEW website!
Visit us today at www.wsoyfooddrive.com
November 19, 2024 – WSOY, NowDecatur, United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois, ADM, Kroger, and our 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-TV are pleased to announce $700,779.00 in grant funding to our local pantries and feeding programs. This total represents 75% of the grantee food budgets for 2025 in addition to the food raised during the WSOY Community Food Drive.
After 20 years and over 23 million pounds of food raised, the WSOY Community Food Drive returned on October 4th of this year after a 3-year retirement to meet our community’s urgent needs—and the response was incredible. In a time when many families face impossible choices due to rising costs, this drive has helped ensure that local pantries are stocked and no family in Macon County goes hungry.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“After a three-year hiatus, we weren’t sure how the community would respond to the return of the Food Drive. But the response was incredible. The community answered the call in a big way, showing once again how privileged we are to be part of such a generous and caring community,” said Lindsay Romano, Co-chair of the WSOY Community Food Drive.
The WSOY Community Food Drive is proud to recognize one outstanding volunteer with the Central Illinois Media Group Community Service Award, honoring those who go above and beyond to fight hunger and serve our community. This award celebrates not just the hours given, but the heart and commitment that make a lasting impact on the lives of others. This year we recognize Clay Gerhard for his dedication and hard work during this food drive, reminding us all that when we give our time, we give hope. Clay has been a long-time volunteer of the WSOY Community Food Drive, however this year, he took on the enormous responsibility of Food Drive Logistics Director. We can’t thank him enough for his dedication to the food drive and those in need.
Today, The WSOY Food Drive is pleased to announce the following grant awards to the following organizations:
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In addition, the WSOY Community Food Drive is awarding cash prizes to the schools that raised the most funds for the Drive in 2024. Prizes have been made possible by our community partners and sponsors. Thanks to a generous donation from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, the cash prizes were doubled. This year we had a tie for first place!
- 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
Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, the WSOY Community Food Drive is excited to announce its return in 2025. Additional details will be shared at a later date.
