Galesburg Community-Wide Food Drive Rallies Donations for Summer Needs

Galesburg, IL (June 16, 2026) – The City of Galesburg’s employee volunteer committee, Galesburg GIVES, hosted a successful food drive on Friday, June 12, 2026, to support FISH of Galesburg, Knox County's community food pantry.

Thanks to an incredible turnout and the community's generosity, the drive brought in a substantial haul of non-perishable food items—enough to fill a truck bed and a paratransit bus—alongside $4,205 in monetary donations.

“This event was a wonderful reminder of what happens when Galesburg comes together,” said Kelli Bennewitz, City Clerk and Galesburg GIVES committee member. “We are incredibly proud of our community and city staff for teaming up to support FISH of Galesburg.”

Founded this year, Galesburg GIVES is a City of Galesburg staff committee dedicated to coordinating employee civic engagement and volunteerism. City staff have a long history of community service, and this new committee aims to unify, support, and enhance those efforts to maximize positive impact on the issues that matter most to Galesburg residents.