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DOUBLE THE PRIZES, DOUBLE THE IMPACT; SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS COMPETE TO BENEFIT THE WSOY COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE.

  • lindsayromano2
  • Sep 8
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 15

September 8, 2025 - The WSOY Community Food Drive is back, and schools across Macon County have an incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact in the fight against hunger—while also competing for big rewards!


Thanks to our generous community partners, the top five schools that raise the most food and dollars will win cash prizes. And thanks to the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, this year’s prizes have been doubled:

  • 1st Place: $5,000

  • 2nd Place: $3,000

  • 3rd Place: $2,000

  • 4th Place: $1,500

  • 5th Place: $1,000


Last year’s competition was fierce, with a tie for first place between St. Teresa High School and St. Patrick’s School—each taking home $5,000. Mt. Zion High School, Holy Family, and Our Lady of Lourdes also landed in the top five. Who will take the prizes this year?


NEW: Teacher Challenge


On top of the school-wide contest, The Reed and Morris Families are making things even more exciting with a Teacher Challenge! This brand-new contest offers:

  • $1,000 to the top fundraising classroom

  • $500 to the second-place classroom


This prize giveaway is in addition to the school-wide competition, giving educators two opportunities to win while helping local families.


  • Teachers who wish to participate can collect both non-perishable food items and monetary donations within their classrooms.

  • Teachers can promote the contest by sharing the teacher incentive giving portal HERE.

  • While those totals WILL count toward the school’s overall contribution, this classroom contest has a specific requirement: all food and monetary donations (not submitted through the Teacher Incentive Giving Portal) must be turned in to the Northeast Community Fund (NECF) by October 1st to qualify. To participate, teachers should arrange for NECF to pick up their classroom donations (both Monetary and Food Donations) by October 1 by calling (217) 429-5846 or by emailing director@northeastcommunityfund.org.To qualify, teachers must turn in their classroom donations (food and monetary) to the Northeast Community Fund (NECF) by October 1st. Teachers can arrange pickup by calling (217) 429-5846 or emailing director@northeastcommunityfund.org. Winners will be announced live during the WSOY Community Food Drive on October 3rd at Kroger in Airport Plaza.


Service Learning Opportunities

The WSOY Community Food Drive isn’t just about collecting food—it’s about learning, serving, and building leadership skills. Our School & Service Learning Toolkit provides ideas and resources for educators, students, and youth groups, including:

  • Research links about food insecurity in Macon County

  • Curriculum ideas and worksheets for teachers

  • Fundraising Ideas

  • Service Learning Project ideas


Community Service hour certifications are available for student participants.


Resources for Schools & Teachers


Need help organizing your school’s efforts? We’ve got you covered:


Don’t Forget!


Encourage supporters to credit your school with their donations. The more community support your school receives, the better your chances to win!


This year’s WSOY Community Food Drive is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Whether through a classroom challenge, a school-wide effort, or student-led service projects, your school can help fight hunger in Macon County—and maybe even take home cash prizes!


Mark your calendars for October 3rd, and let’s make a difference together.

 
 
 

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