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.