Taylorville Community Credit Union is currently collecting donations for its Annual Freedom Tree Food Drive, continuing a tradition that has helped support local families for more than a decade. Community members have until Friday, July 11th, to contribute items or monetary gifts at any of TCCU’s four locations in Taylorville, Hillsboro, Litchfield and Pana.

The Freedom Tree initiative focuses on gathering boxed and canned food items, personal hygiene products, and financial donations, which will be donated to area food pantries. These pantries serve individuals and families facing food insecurity, a need that often increases during the summer months when children are out of school.

Each TCCU branch has a dedicated Freedom Tree display where nonperishable goods can be dropped off, while cash donations can be made at teller windows. The food drive is designed to make it easy for residents to get involved and make a difference in their communities.

TCCU views this annual effort as part of its larger mission to be a supportive and active presence in the communities it serves. Now in its 11th year, the Freedom Tree program has helped deliver thousands of pounds of food and thousands of dollars in financial aid to local pantries. Organizers emphasize the value of cash donations, which give food pantries the ability to buy supplies in bulk at lower costs from food banks, maximizing their overall impact.

More information about TCCU is available at www.tccu.org, or by visiting any of its branch locations.