School News
Partnership awards nearly 25 percent of Gillespie graduates with scholarship
Back Row (L to R) Tyler Swank, Braden Rauzi, Landen Emelander, Quinn Beechler, Owen Schweppe, Traegan Madeline, Macie Wright, Mia Brawner, Katie Spencer, John Fassero, Ken Tebbe
“We are honored to reward and assist almost 25 percent of this years graduates,” reported John Fassero, Jr., at the Gillespie High School senior awards night on Thursday May 14. The president of the CUSD7 education foundation, noted that once again every applicant received a $2,000 tuition scholarship to the college or institute of their choice.
“We are proud tonight to award $34,000 in tuition scholarships to these amazing and very worthy seniors out of a graduating class of 72,” he said. “Our directors were moved by the applicants’ personal statements of the varied life experiences that have shaped their future goals.
“To date we have awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships to 556 GHS graduates to further their educations,” Fassero said. “In addition, we have donated more than $700,000 for in-classroom grants since 1992. Our latest grant capped a three-year $90,000 gift to update computers for student school and at home use.
The 2025 awards and their recipients are:
BEHRENS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FOR A CAREER IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, OR MEDICINE
Today James William Behrens, retired senior technical advisor for the U.S. Navy to the Pentagon, initiates this scholarship to honor his family which has contributed to Gillespie since 1869. Henry H. Behrens and wife Wilhelmina raised eight children, including George William Behrens Sr. and his son George William Jr., who later operated Behrens Drug Store in Bunker Hill.
Madilyn Martin, daughter of Emily and Josh Martin of Gillespie, will attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to study pre-dentistry.
PETE AND WANDA BERNOT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established to honor students who exemplify the values that the Bernots held dear: service to community, dedication to hard work, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Mia Brawner, daughter of Nikki and Matt Brawner of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study sonography.
BILL AND GWEN BERUTTI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Beruttis left a generous gift to fund scholarships. Gwen taught English in Roxanna and Mt. Olive after she earned a graduate degree at SIU Carbondale. She was also well known as a keyboard accompanist and vocalist in her husband Bill’s musical combo. Bill worked at Berutti Self Service Grocery Store, in the office at Shell Oil, and was a piano technician and musician.
Ellie Wilson, daughter of Stephanie and Jim Wilson of Gillespie, will attend Illinois College in Jacksonville to study writing.
DR. D. ROSS AND MRS. ROSEMARY BILLITER SCHOLARSHIP
“We are grateful to the people of this area who have supported my medical practice,” said Dr. Billiter, when he retired recently after nearly 50 years as a general surgeon at St. Francis Hospital. “This gift acknowledges our appreciation and an investment in the future of our area.”
Owen Schweppe, son of Sara and Larry Schweppe of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College, to study industrial electricity.
ELINOR DAVIES NURSING SCHOLARSHIP
Established by friends and family in honor of Elinor who served many decades as school nurse in CUSD7. She was also an active member of the Gillespie First United Methodist Church.
Owen Pau, son of Sara and Gavin Pau of Gillespie, will attend University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, to study nursing.
ROGER DEWITT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
An outpouring of memorials for this farmer, painter, horse breeder, horticulturist, and musician led to this award. Song writing and performing with his band Southern Blend were backdrops to his farming and painting. Self-taught, he depicted small family farm life, a disappearing culture of the rural Midwest.
Macie Wright, daughter of Shannon and Dave Wright of Gillespie, will attend Millikin University in Decatur, to study art therapy and psychology.
JOE DONA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
A friend has chosen to recognize Joe’s years of service to his community. A professional truck driver, Joe was best known for his deep commitment to the area. He was in the first EMT class for the Gillespie ambulance service. He joined the Gillespie fire department in 1960 and remained active until his death in 2022. In addition, he was an auxiliary policeman and kept the Benld Catholic Cemetery in beautiful condition for many years.
Landen Emelander, son of Kelly and Eric Emelander, will attend Midwest Technology Institute in Springfield to study HVAC/R and electricity.
H.E.I.D.I. FOUNDATION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Gerald and Sandi Brand’s foundation, in memory of their daughter Heidi, assists those interested in helping young people with special needs to achieve full potential. H.E.I.D.I. stands for Helping Every Individual Develop Independence.
Traegen Madeline, son of Deanna Ellis and Jeremy Ellis of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study exercise science.
RYAN KOSCHAK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Established by his wife, Abbie Bunge Koschak, this scholarship supports students in the trades. Ryan, GHS Class of 1999, graduated from the Midwest School of Welding and became a Boilermaker (Local 363). He was known for his exceptional kindness, humor, and generosity as well as skillful welding. Especially devoted to his daughter Vivien, he touched many lives with joy before his untimely passing.
Quinn Beechler, son of Tammy and Jim Beechler of Gillespie, will attend Midwest Technology Institute in Springfield, to study welding, specifically pipeline welding.
DAISY LANCASTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Daisy retired as a cafeteria cook in CUSD7. She was an active member of the Gillespie United Methodist Church. She and her husband Bill enjoyed playing pinochle and watching their nine grand- and great grandchildren play sports.
Kennedy Helmkamp, daughter of Danielle and Robert Helmkamp, will attend Millikin University to study business.
J. E. LIBBRA FAMILY FARM SCHOLARSHIP
Married for 48 years, Joe, a hardworking grain and livestock farmer, and Eileen, a nurse, were dedicated to their four children. Today Mary Sievers, Joe Libbra, Trish Elking, and Carol Kramer, maintain this scholarship to honor their parents and give back to their community.
Hayleigh Otten, daughter of Elizabeth and Michael Otten of Gillespie, will attend the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis to study nursing.
DENIS AND MARGARET MCGRADY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Denis and Margaret Bee McGrady are honored by their nine children: Denis, Jr.; Connie Page; Mikey McPheters; Doug; Charlie; Barb Mathenia; Margaret Enlow; Murray; and Brian. Denis graduated from the University of Illinois Commerce and Law programs, returned to Gillespie and practiced law for almost 50 years. Both were known for their love of flower gardening, landscaping, and hospitality. Margaret, who passed in 2024 at age 98, was also a talented musician, seamstress, and interior designer.
Kaitlyn Spencer, daughter of Steven and Victoria Spencer of Gillespie, will attend Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville to study pre-law.
SCHMIDT-BARTON FAMILY FUND SCHOLARSHIP
John Schmidt and his wife Peg were the very first “partners” of The Partnership, generously stepping up to generously support our shared mission of improving educational opportunities for young people in CUSD7. John’s father, William E. Schmidt, Sr., and his wife Florence raised five children in Gillespie. William worked in a Gillespie bank for 20 years before joining the Columbia Quarry Company in 1932. Son John of Tucson, AZ passed away in 2025. He was president of their family Foundation but turned the reins over to his daughter Susan Hillkemeyer. After 33 years, the Schmidts are still one of our most generous and consistent supporters.
Elissa Plasters-Cline, daughter of Kellyn and Justin Peoples of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study accounting.
DAWN TILLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Dawn Tilley was a paramedic with the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service. Dedicated to emergency care, she also worked on Dunn’s and Medstar ambulances. She was also an active local volunteer in children’s causes. “She would help anyone who needed anything,” says her family.
Corinne Fellin, daughter of Kathy and Chuck Fellin of Benld, will attend Lincoln Land Community College to study x-ray technology.
MICHAEL VALENTI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This 1994 GHS graduate lost his life in a tragic accident. Michael had earned an associate degree at Lewis and Clark Community College and was continuing his education at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Andrew Sellers, son of Dale and Brian Sellers of Benld, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study pre-dentistry.
VFW POST 4547 SCHOLARSHIP
The Partnership is pleased to offer a scholarship for a child or grandchild of a U.S. military veteran and/or a student who has committed to ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) in college. This scholarship is the result of a generous gift from the now disbanded Gillespie VFW Post 4547.
Haeden Kellebrew, son of Jake Kellebrew and Jessica Ross of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study pre-dentistry.
JOHN R. WOLFF MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
John was a 1963 graduate of GHS and a lifelong area farmer. He was the recipient of the FFA Farmer Degree. He aspired to witness younger generations uphold the tradition of acquiring knowledge of both the history and future of farming and the trades.
Braden Rauzi, son of Jennifer and Brad Rauzi of Gillespie, will attend Midwest Technology Institute in Springfield to study HVAC and electricity.
EVALINE BOEHMKE MUSICIANSHIP AWARDS
Evaline Boehmke of Gillespie was an ardent supporter of music. She left a bequest for $100 cash awards for students selected by the music faculty of GHS for their outstanding musicianship in band and chorus. This year the BAND winner is Kennedy Helmkamp, and the CHORUS winner is Tyler Swank.
The Partnership for Educational Excellence is an IRS-chartered 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational foundation. It also awards classroom grants to enhance curriculum. To donate or learn more, contact us at www.thepartnership7.org or P.O. Box 125, Gillespie IL 62033.
Comments
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
Comments
In a decisive finish that underscored his rising dominance in Illinois Class 1A cross country, senior Chaz Oberkfell of Gillespie High School claimed the state title with a time of 14:31.10 at the IHSA State Cross Country Championships held at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8.
Finishing just behind Oberkfell, sophomore Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) crossed the line in 14:46.25, placing second. Rounding out the top five were senior Blake McLeese of Tuscola (14:46.45), senior Luca Bryja of Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy) with 14:48.38, and senior Elijah Teefey of Pleasant Plains at 14:49.02.
This victory marks Oberkfell’s second IHSA Class 1A state championship. He also won the state crown as a junior in 2024 with a time of 14:31.87. In his sophomore year, he finished 21st with a 15:21.43 season-best time.
Looking ahead, Oberkfell is set to compete in the New Balance NXR Midwest Regional Championships on Sunday, November 16, at the LaVerne Gibson Course in Indiana. The meet serves as a critical stepping stone toward the national championships, and Oberkfell will look to carry his state momentum into the regional stage.
Comments
The community is invited to participate in a family-friendly, drive-thru charity event aimed at keeping local students warm this winter. The “Warm Up Our Kids” drive-thru takes place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Karmak Campus, located at 1 Karmak Plaza, Carlinville, IL and is sponsored by Karmak and Carlinville Area Hospital and Clinics.
Additional drop-off boxes will be available at the following locations to maximize participation and convenience:
- Sullivans in Carlinville, Gillespie, and Litchfield
- Pharmacy Plus in Girard
- Sav-Mor Pharmacy in Virden
- CAH&C Clinic sites in Gillespie, Girard, Carlinville, and Virden
- Briar Rose in Litchfield
- Brave Hazel in Carlinville
- Oh-So Cute Boutique in Virden
Drive through the event route and drop off much-needed supplies listed below. All donations will directly benefit students in the participating school districts, helping ensure every child has the warmth and essentials they need to face the winter season. Community support help bridge gaps and bring tangible, immediate relief to families in need.
Join us in spreading warmth and goodwill this December. The Ben Gil Post and community partners look forward to seeing you at the Karmak Campus drive-thru.
