It's almost the end of the month, and that means it's just about time for another "Final Fridays" at The Wine Sellers (TWS), with local musician Bill Maakestad. Grab your favorite ghouls and boos and head downtown to listen to some 'old school' music with Maakestad and "The Analogs," while helping out Macomb's Good Food Pantry at the same time., For nearly six years, Maakestad and The Wine Sellers have worked together to donate his earnings and tips to area nonprofits. The October "Final Friday" will be held from 5:307:30 p.m. On the last Friday of each month, the man behind the mike (and guitar) plays at The Wine Sellers – sometimes solo, sometimes joined by other local musicians – and plays for donations for a chosen local organization. Joining him this month are Jim Betts (guitar), Brett Dougherty (bass) and Pete Hannen (tenor sax), calling themselves "The Analogs," playing what they call "Old School rhythm & blues and soul." Dress up in your Halloween finest (or come as you are) to help out the local food pantry housed within the Western Illinois Regional Council. Since starting this initiative in 2020, Maakestad and The Wine Sellers have raised well over $25,000 for 28 area nonprofits, ranging from local food pantries, social service programs, public radio, the humane society and education, among many other organizations. In addition, once or twice a year, Maakestad gives earnings to the aspiring young musicians who join him on The Wine Sellers stage.
About the Good Food Pantry
During COVID, the Good Food Pantry, which started as the Good Food Collaborative, began delvering food to people's homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and officially kicked off its pantry operations in Spring 2021. In March 2023, the operations moved into the WIRC building, and one year later, the collaborative became the Good Food Pantry and moved under the direction of the Western Illinois Regional Council.
Last month, the Good Food Pantry served 33 households (840 people) … even as the pantry was closed for two weeks for renovations. To meet the growing food insecurity that individuals and families in the region are facing, the pantry has added an emergency food box program to its lineup in which people can go to the front desk at WIRC Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., to request a box that's filled with such items as shelf-stable milk, pasta and sauce, canned fruits, vegetables and meat and other items.
Anyone who lives in McDonough County and whose household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level is eligible to receive support from Good Food Pantry, which is open from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. For example, a single person making $2,608/month or less (before taxes) would qualify. The pantry also serves individuals who are unhoused or lack access to kitchen facilities. Good Food Pantry accepts – and needs – donations yearround to keep up with the growing need to fight hunger in McDonough County. To donate, visit wirpc.org/donate, or drop off checks and cash to WIRC, 133 W. Jackson St., Macomb. In addition, volunteers are always needed. To sign up to be a volunteer, visit the Good Food Pantry's Facebook page or call the office at (309) 837-2997, or email director Kelly Shiraki at [email protected].
