“We had a wonderful turn out for the ice cream social fundraiser,” said Leveda Ashlin, president of the food pantry board. “There were some really great silent auction items up for bids, and a tasty assortment of desserts to go along with the ice cream. Riley Horton entertained us on the piano. A special thank you goes to the businesses in Morrison, and to the individual donors who made it possible to have such a variety of items to bid on.”
Ashlin also expressed her thanks to the open house committee: Sheila Sonberg, Kathie Vandervinne, Deb Wikoff, and chairperson Darlene Smith. “They did a fabulous job of putting this event together in six weeks’ time,” she said. She also gave special thanks to all the volunteers who worked on Sunday to ensure a successful event.
Sunday’s event was also dedicated to the memory of Ron Finnicum, a long-time volunteer who passed away on October 12, 2023. “He is sorely missed by all,” said Ashlin.
There are still raffle tickets left for the Knight DISC Black Powder Rifles, with the winning tickets to be drawn at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Mahaffey’s on Main, 121 E. Main St. during Morrison’s Christmas Walk. The following volunteers can be contacted to purchase tickets: Ashlin, Rick Smith, Cal Vandermyde, Randy Kuehl, Tiny Vandervinne, Paul Vandervinne, or Rick Deter.
Ashlin also reported “zero deficiencies” during the River Bend Food Bank’s annual inspection earlier this month. “Our volunteers work hard to make sure we are in, and stay, compliant with our contract requirements. We are tremendously proud of the results,” she said.
Nathan Jacobs of Morrison Parks and Rec is organizing a Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk for Nov. 25, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with proceeds to benefit the pantry. He’s looking for more sponsors for the t-shirts and can be contacted at njacobs@morrisonil.org or 815-535-1105 for more information regarding sponsorship, or with any questions about the event.
Last month, the Morrison Food Pantry served 58 families for a total of 170 individuals, of which 71 were 18 or younger. There were 14 new sign-ups for the month of September. The food pantry numbers are still increasing, which is typical of other pantries in the northern Illinois area.
Ashlin reminds the community to “please think about us” if you take out a required distribution from your 401K. You can designate a 501(c)3 non-profit for part, or all, of your withdrawal monies and not pay taxes on it. Please check with your financial representative or accountant to make sure you are eligible to do this from your account.
“Our fund-raising efforts are ongoing, and needed, in order to ensure we can help ease food insecurity here in our community,” she stated. “Thank you, Morrison, for your generosity.”
The Morrison Charitable Food Pantry is located at 629 E. Lincolnway and serves the Morrison Unit #6 School District. The pantry is open on non-holiday Thursday mornings from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Clients are allowed to come once a month and must bring proof of address when signing up.
A delectable assortment of desserts.
The silent auction table at Sunday’s event. Photos provided by Leveda Ashlin, president of the food pantry.
