Central Illinois Ag fundraiser benefits Community Action Food Pantry Co-op

[January 27, 2018] 

LINCOLN

What started out as a fun idea to sell a fuel trailer quickly exceeded all expectations of Central Illinois Ag’s President Michael Schmidt. Each December Central Illinois Ag runs a “13 days of Christmas” campaign offering daily deals to thank customers for a great year.

This year took a different spin when they decided to take to social media with a request to purchase the fuel trailer with proceeds going to support a local food bank. Within hours the fuel tank was sold and other supporters had come forward with donations increasing the total proceeds to $3200!

The roll out of the Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois’ Food Pantry Co-op in Logan County peaked the interest of Central Illinois Ag’s Marketing Director Abby Coers. That interest helped her select CAPCIL as the donation recipient. Upon delivery of the donation, Michael Schmidt and Abby Coers were pleased to hear about all the great programs offered by CAPCIL including the new structure of the Food Pantry Co-op.

The co-op is set up for members to volunteer a couple hours a week and gain an opportunity to shop the food pantry selecting items for their household.

Left to right: CAPCIL Director of Nutrition Services Becky Leamon, CAPCIL Volunteer Services Director Fundraising Co-Chair Breann Titus, Central Illinois Ag President Michael Schmidt, and CAPCIL Food Pantry Co-op Coordinator Craig Farnam.

Most of the food is received through a partnership with Midwest Food Bank and private donations. “Donations like this help us purchase additional items needed to make well balanced meals.” Said Volunteer Services Director, Breann Titus.

The donation would have not been possible without contributions made by Thunder Creek Equipment, Yetter Farm Equipment, Martin-Till, Michael & Kara Schmidt, Steve Schmidt, Richard Schmidt and Central Illinois Ag.

CAPCIL’s Food Pantry Co-op is currently accepting new members in Logan and Dewitt Counties. Community members can visit the website for additional information (www.capcil.info) or by calling the Corporate Office at 217-732-2159.

It is the mission of CAPCIL, in partnership with communities in our service area, to empower persons with low income and the aged by creating and implementing poverty-fighting initiatives for those in crisis and those that endeavor a life of lasting independence.

[Breann Titus, CAPCIL]