2024 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2024 Page 17 Pekin, Beverly Manor Middle School in Washington, Edison Junior High in Pekin, Wilson Intermediate School in Pekin, Lincoln Junior High School, Lincoln Community High School, Chester East Lincoln, and New Holland Middletown all participate in the program. It is completely funded by donations, both inkind and monetary, no salaries are taken. Monetary donations are used to purchase items such as work clothes, tennis shoes, and other items that are not available in other pantries. School Nurses, Teachers, or School Counselors often refer students to the program. Any student who receives free or reduced lunch programs, is homeless, or emancipated is eligible. On average, more than 800 students a month can “shop” for the things they need, like basic hygiene items, snacks, and school supplies. Cindy shared a heartwarming story of receiving their very first donation. The night that Cindy visited the East Peoria Moms Who Care group she was sitting with friends, and they simply started their conversation by asking her what she had done that day. Cindy began to share what she had seen and shared her vision for what a group like that could do in Lincoln. A friend immediately reached into his pocket and handed her $100 and said here is your seed money. To this day, that friend regularly supports the mission. Cindy and Marla both are in awe of the support and generosity of the community. Many area churches, groups, individuals, and businesses have raised funds or collected items for the group. Simply Elegant by Cheri hosted a collection for the group, Logan County Professionals Network held Purses for a Purpose and donated the proceeds as well as taking a collection of items. A golf outing was held to raise funds. Lincoln Women’s Club and the Masonic Lodge also regularly collect for the group.
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