Once again, patrons of Sullivan’s Foods, 300 N. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, enthusiastically supported store promotions to aid Morrison families, from Friday, November 1, through Monday, December 23, 2013.
“The store gave [customers] the opportunity. We were just the outlet,” commented Assistant Manager Jeramie Reatherford, right, on Monday, December 30. He and local Sullivan’s Foods Manager Danny Baker presented a check for $548 to Kaywyn Beswick, Administrator of Morrison Friends Food Pantry (MFFP.) In 2012, the leaf promotion gathered $404. Editor’s note: Nancy Gravert took the photograph.
The cash originated from many donations by customers who “purchased” a paper leaf for the Sullivan’s Giving Tree. Others simply gave money, sometimes more than a dollar, sometimes on more than one occasion.
But that is only part of the story. During the last two-months, customers also purchased 67 pre-filled bags of groceries and toiletries, for gifting those families who depend upon MFFP. Bags came in two sizes: $5 or $10.
Beswick stated there are over 200 people who benefit from the pantry each month, which varies between 68 and 85 families.
Additionally, at the store’s Holiday Open House, Saturday, November 23, Dr. Bradley Yaklich became the champion of the pie-eating contest. As winner, he was allowed to donate the $100 purse to a local charity of choice. Dr. Yaklich designated Morrison Friends Food Pantry and received a $25 Sullivan’s gift card for his eating effort. The second check Beswick received is this $100 Sullivan’s Foods donation.