PUTTING THE "FUN" IN FUNDRAISING

Local Businesses & Organizations Step Up for the WSOY Community Food Drive

September 8, 2025 - The countdown to the WSOY Community Food Drive on October 3rd is on—and our community is proving once again that fighting hunger can be both impactful and fun! From shopping sprees to whacky outfits, creative fundraisers are popping up all over Decatur, with every effort helping to feed families across Macon County.

Brinkoetter Supermarket Sweep

Recently, the Brinkoetter real estate team brought energy—and plenty of speed—to Kroger in Airport Plaza with their very own “Supermarket Sweep.” Realtors raced through the aisles with just five minutes to collect as many non-perishable food items as possible, but there was a twist: each team could only shop for items with packaging in one of two colors. The result? Over $6,800 worth of food donated to the drive! A trophy was awarded to the team who spent the most, but the real winners are the families who will benefit. Organizer, Tony Piraino and Kroger Manager Jeff Tate stated they hope to make the Supermarket Sweep an annual event. Check out the video below!

OTHER CREATIVE FUNDRAISING EFFORTS:

City of Decatur’s Battle of the Divisions

It’s department vs. department at the City of Decatur! From now until October 3rd, City of Decatur divisions are competing to see who can donate the most food. The top teams win pizza parties—with gift cards to Del Carmen’s, The Pizza Place on Main, and Pizza Factory up for grabs. Talk about teamwork with a tasty reward!

Crossing Healthcare’s Whacky Wednesday

Crossing Healthcare employees are adding some laughter to the workweek with Whacky Wednesday. Staff members make donations for the chance to show off their wildest outfits—all in support of the food drive.

Swartz Properties’ Free Rent Giveaway

Swartz Properties is raising the stakes with a big incentive: clients who donate food items are entered into a drawing for a free month of rent. A fun way to give back with the chance for some serious savings.

Decatur Area Arts Council: Cans for Cans

On September 24th at 5 p.m., join the Decatur Area Arts Council for a pop-art inspired evening. For $25—or a $25 value donation of canned goods—participants can create their own Andy Warhol-style soup can prints with guidance from artists Emma Morrison and Shani Goss. Proceeds benefit the food drive, blending art, creativity, and community service.

Children’s Museum of Illinois: Walk-In Fundraiser

The Children’s Museum of Illinois is hosting a Walk-In Fundraiser on Saturday, September 27th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring five or more cans (or a $5+ donation) and enjoy a family-friendly activity—painting a pot, planting basil, and leaving with recipes to use your new herb. A hands-on way to teach kids the value of giving!

These events are proof that there’s no one way to make a difference. Whether you’re racing down the aisles, dressing a little wacky, making art, or planting basil, every effort helps stock the shelves and feed our neighbors.

If you, your organization, your company, club, or church is organizing your own unique fundraising effort, tell us about it! Email the details to info@wsoyfooddrive.com.

The WSOY Community Food Drive is more than a single day—it’s a community-wide effort powered by creativity, generosity, and fun. Mark your calendars for October 3rd at Kroger in Airport Plaza, and get inspired to start your own fundraiser today!