The greater Decatur community raised over $800,000 during last year’s drive, providing support for critical food budgets for pantries across Macon County. But this year, with funding cuts and rising food costs, our local food pantries and other social service organizations need more help than ever before to ensure no one goes to bed hungry. And we’re here to answer the call! Who can? Blue can!

As Decatur’s University, Millikin is committed to rallying our Big Blue family to support our community in the fight against hunger. We have set a goal of collecting 5,000 pounds of food, but we need your help to make that happen! Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Donate non-perishable food items. Each campus office will be given a bag to collect donations, and the WSOY Food Drive Committee will collect those donations to be delivered to Kroger on October 3. Not sure what to donate? You can find a list of the most-needed items here! Additional bags
  • Large containers will be at the University Commons, Rathje Athletic Center, first floor of Shilling Hall, and Alumni & Development office.
  • Every Wednesday from 7:30-10 a.m. starting on 9/10, students will be waiting outside the University Commons to collect food donations, allowing donors to remain in their cars.
  • Additional bags can be picked up at the front desk in the University Commons.
• Make an online donation. No time to go shopping? You can make a financial contribution here! Your donation will be included as part of Millikin’s total contribution. Each $1 of support equates to one pound of food.
• Spread the word! We’ll be sharing updates on our progress throughout the next several weeks. Help us get the word out by sharing on social media and encouraging friends, family and colleagues to join in giving. Together, we can reach our goal! 

Members of the campus community who donate will be given a paper can to share on their office doors or workspaces as a testament to their support. We want to see cans all over campus!

Every donation — whether it’s a can of soup, a case of pasta or a generous financial donation — goes directly toward supporting local food pantries and other organizations that serve families in need. With your help, we can make sure that shelves stay stocked and individuals have access to resources they so desperately need.

Join us. Let’s show the power of the Big Blue community. Together, we can make a difference!