October 8, 2021 – At 6 pm after a 12-hour broadcast the 20th Annual WSOY Community Food Drive announced that it had raised $1,546,426. Thanks to purchasing power through the Central Illinois Food Bank that equates to 8,134,201 pounds of food.
Over 3.2 million pounds of food in cash equivalent was raised in 2020. That was the first time the food drive switched to monetary donations only as a safety precaution due to COVID-19.
The move proved successful. Last year, food and funds were used to help the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities food pantry, Good Samaritan Inn, Northeast Community Fund, Reasonable Services food pantry, Blue Mound food pantry, Crossing Healthcare Prescription Garden program, Mt Zion food pantry, Big Blue Backpacks program, AMELCA, Helping Hands food pantry and God’s Shelter of Love.
Agencies will once again apply for a grant from the WSOY Community Food Drive this year to receive funding to be used towards the purchase of food.
Thanks to its community partners, The WSOY Community Food Drive was also able to provide cash prizes to the top schools that raised the most money this year. In first place ($2500) was Mt. Zion High School, second place ($1500) St. Pat’s School, third place ($1000) St. Theresa High School, fourth place ($750) Eisenhower High School and fifth place ($500) Our Lady of Lourdes.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think this food drive could so eclipse all prior efforts. It’s a fitting tribute to 20 years of hard work by the WSOY/NowDecatur Team, Brian Byers, and Kevin Breheny” says Neuhoff Communication’s CEO/President, Beth Neuhoff. “This is the magic that can happen in small communities when media, corporations, schools, benefactors, and service agencies come together. I’m so proud we could use our megaphone and brand for the good of so many who need help” added Neuhoff.
The WSOY Community Food Drive would like to thank its community partners; Decatur Back and Neck Center, First Mid Bank and Trust, Skeff Distributing, First Mid Insurance, ADM, Jones and Thomas, First Christian Church, Dales Southlake Pharmacy, and Colee’s Corner Drugs, WAND-TV, The Herald and Review, Dynagraphics, Kroger, The United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois and The Community Foundation of Macon County.
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Founded in 2003, Neuhoff Communications is a privately held, award-winning local radio, digital and communications company focused on Central Midwestern markets. With their slogan, “Media Made Locally.”, Neuhoff leads the industry in their devotion to the communities and audiences they serve.
For More Information:
Lindsay Romano lindsayromano@neuhoffmedia.com
Debbie Bogle dbogle@uwdecatur.org
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