TCCU “Freedom Tree” Food Drive helps residents in need

TAYLORVILLE, IL – With so many newsworthy events happening around the globe, it can sometimes be easy to forget situations that have direct impact on our local residents. One of those situations is that our local food pantries are in desperate need of supplies to aid area residents in need.

Taylorville Community Credit Union’s 8th Annual ‘Freedom Tree’ food drive works to overcome the shortfall. “For the past couple of years, our local food pantries have faced a ‘double whammy’,” says TCCU President, Will Perkins, “in that demand for their help is up, while donations have plateaued or fallen off.

“The ‘Freedom Tree’ food drive can help re-stock pantries’ shelves and enable them to continue to help our neighbors in need.”

This year’s drive begins Monday, June 6th, and runs through Friday, July 15th. All area residents and credit union members are encouraged to donate boxed and canned food items, as well as cash donations, to benefit local food pantries.

“We are inviting all area residents, not just our members, to give generously again this year,” says Perkins. “While we encourage donations of boxed and canned food items, this year we are putting special emphasis on cash donations.

“The food pantries use these cash donations to purchase more items in bulk from food banks, to get ‘more bang for the buck,’ so to speak. And every dollar and cent donated at any of our four offices goes directly to local food pantries. Your donations stay in your community.”

Perkins explains that donations during the summer season are traditionally less than other times of the year, with no traditional ‘giving holidays.’

“That’s one of the reasons why we introduced the ‘Freedom Tree,’ to help fill that gap. And we encourage all area residents to help us again this year.”

Donations can be dropped off at any of TCCU’s four locations, in Taylorville, Hillsboro, Litchfield and Pana. All locations have a ‘Freedom Tree’ display and drop-off for boxed and canned items. Cash donations can be made at all teller stations within the offices.

Taylorville Community Credit Union is a not- for-profit financial cooperative. Founded in 1956, it serves the financial needs of residents throughout the tri-county area. Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Christian, Shelby or Montgomery Counties, as well as their family members. For more information about TCCU’s money-saving services and products, or to learn how to join, visit www.TCCU.org, or visit one of the offices located in Taylorville, Hillsboro, Litchfield and Pana.