Managers of Sullivan’s Foods, 300 N. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, and Morrison Friends Food Pantry met for a short ritual at the store Friday, December 19, 2014. A check for $580 was presented to support the Food Pantry by Sullivan’s Foods Manager Dan Baker, right, and Assistant Manager Jeramie Reatherford, left. Receiving the donation were Volunteer Deb Wikoff, second from left, and Director Kaywyn Beswick,
Continuing the store’s ongoing support of MFFP, customers had “purchased” a colorful leaf and written their name on it. During the fall, leaves of donations decorated the entrance. The leaf promotion continued until Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 27.
Throughout the year, at the checkout counter shoppers can fill out a cash coupon to support the local food pantry. The $580 represented these donations.
Store employees bagged groceries and priced them at $10, although the value exceeded that. Customers have bought 114 bags to date. Baker reminded customers they can purchase food bags through Christmas Day.
“New clients [to the MFFP] are flabbergasted with all the food given!” remarked Beswick.
The collaboration with Sullivan’s Foods, caring Morrison citizens, and the Food Pantry illustrates the spirit of Christmas. Baker stressed that generous customers make the store’s donations possible each year. He offered his sincere thanks to the public.