DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University student-athletes recently stepped off the field and into the community, volunteering their time to support the Northeast Community Fund’s annual “Love Thy Neighbor” donation campaign in Decatur, on Wednesday, February 25.
Members of several Big Blue athletic teams and coaching staffs assisted with Northeast Community Fund’s drive-thru donation event, helping collect and sort clothing and household essentials while welcoming donors throughout the day. The one-day initiative aimed to restock the nonprofit’s Clothing Room and Household Essentials inventory, which serves thousands of local families each year.
The Northeast Community Fund set a goal of raising $25,000 in combined clothing and monetary donations to support individuals and families across the Decatur area. Volunteers worked alongside staff and community members to unload vehicles, organize incoming donations, and celebrate the generosity of donors.
The partnership reflects a growing collaboration between Millikin University and the Northeast Community Fund, both of which share a mission to address local needs while fostering meaningful engagement. That shared commitment is also evident in the Millikin Market, the University’s on-campus food and essentials pantry that supports students facing food insecurity and financial hardship.
The Millikin Market provides free groceries and essential items to students in need, ensuring they can focus on their academic and personal success. Through partnerships with organizations like the Northeast Community Fund, Millikin continues to strengthen a network of support that benefits both students and the broader Decatur community.
The Northeast Community Fund’s Love Thy Neighbor campaign focuses on collecting new and gently used clothing, shoes, coats, and household goods such as cookware, linens, and towels. These items are distributed year-round to local residents, helping provide stability and dignity to individuals and families in need. If you would like to donate, go to northeastcommunityfund.org for more information.
