Taylorville Community Credit Union has wrapped up its annual “Freedom Tree” food drive, once again helping restock the shelves of local food pantries.

This marks the 11th year for the effort, which saw community members and TCCU members donate hundreds of pounds of canned and boxed food items. In addition to the food, more than two thousand dollars in cash donations were collected.

Food pantries say those dollars go a long way. Because they can purchase items at a reduced cost from regional food banks, every dollar donated often translates into several pounds of food. In Taylorville alone, that means this year’s donations equal roughly four thousand pounds of food purchased for local families.

The timing of the drive is important. Food pantries often see higher demand during the summer months, when children are out of school and not receiving meals there. At the same time, donations are typically lower than they are around the holidays.

TCCU leaders say the growing community support makes a real difference for families in need. All donations from the Freedom Tree campaign stay local, directly benefitting food pantries and the residents they serve.

Taylorville Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that has served Christian, Shelby, and Montgomery Counties since 1956.