The fund this year exceeded its $145,000 goal, reaching a final contribution level of $167,526.25.
That s more than $40,000 higher than last year s total of $126,158.50 and made a strong statement about the community s generosity, said Katie McManis, who coordinates the Fund each year. Central Illinois really came through for us, both with the contributions and the commitment for helping us get this put together, she said.
Stories of the need across the community have been featured the last five weeks in the JournalStar, as have stories about what drives donors to give. Experiences with COVID-19, whether unemployment or other circumstances that prevented family gatherings, were prominent in many letters, including, McManis noted, from some first-time recipients in this tough economic year.
PEORIA Though thankful for a fresh start, Jennifer Mangrum needs a little help.
In the wake of divorce, the southern Illinois native and her two children recently moved to Peoria to live with kin. Health problems have kept her from working, so she hopes to boost her family’s holiday with a food basket from the Journal Star Christmas Fund.
“That would help for sure,” says Mangrum, 37. “I love Christmas.”
Mangrum lived most of her life in and around Benton, about 40 miles north of Kentucky. As her 21-year marriage crumbled, she looked for a new direction.
But her health limits her possibilities. She takes eight medicines a day for Addison’s disease, a potentially fatal hormonal disorder that can render her unconscious at any time. It’s hard for her to work steadily. She has applied for federal Supplemental Security Income, but benefits have yet to begin.