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McKendree University's Food Drive Tackles Local Food Insecurities with Generous Donation

by Tina Napper

Lebanon, IL (11/20/2025) — On Nov. 18, McKendree University donated more than 470 items to the Lebanon Food Pantry to provide local families with the food and supplies they might need in time for the holidays, breaking last year's number of 300 items. A cash donation will also be given to the pantry.

Organized by the Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Services, the Student Affairs Committee, and the student staff of Residence Life at the university, the drive occurs annually to give local families much-needed assistance.

"We were so happy to have our student staff of Residence Life join the Student Affairs Committee and the Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service this year in this radical act of kindness for our hometown food pantry," said the Reverend Dr. Beverly L. Wilkes-Null, university chaplain and coordinator for the Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Services at McKendree University. "Our Bearcats delivered a knockout punch to food insecurities in Lebanon, and we are so proud of our community for showing up for our neighbors in need."

Founded in 1828, McKendree University's historic Lebanon, Ill., campus is 25 miles from St. Louis, Mo. McKendree also offers degree programs online and is one of U.S. News' 'Best Regional Universities,' 'Best Value Schools' and 'Best Colleges for Veterans' in the Midwest.

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McKendree junior Christopher Ofosuhene, left, and Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Sydney Engele, right, hold some of the many donated food items, which benefited the Lebanon Food Pantry.

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