FREEPORT, IL – Cornerstone Credit Union hosted the annual WREX Freeport Food Drive at their facility on W Meadows Drive in Freeport on Friday, November 3, 2017. This was the fourth annual drive, but was the first to be held at Cornerstone. This local effort began in 2014 when WREX became aware that some food pantries were at risk of closing their doors due to lack of food. Those Freeport pantries were able to keep their doors open because of the community's response to the food drive, and now it's an annual event.

For 12 hours on November 3rd, people steadily came in to the Cornerstone Credit Union, dropping off donations. Cans and boxes of non-perishable food filled the building. Estimated at over two tons, the drive brought in an amount that even surprised volunteers.

Over $2200 of monetary donations was also collected, which included a corporate donation of $1,000 from Cornerstone Credit Union. All of the donations were divided among seven Freeport food pantries.

"It starts with one person and one can and one table. And then you're adding a table and another table and then the carts are coming and the people are coming. And at the end of the day you're like, holy Toledo, isn't this fantastic," said Gail Clore, Cornerstone Credit Union President, CEO. “We know the generosity of the Freeport community we serve, and are so proud to be a part of this effort. We wish to thank everyone who came out and made a donation, and thanks to the news staff at WREX for a wonderful partnership.”

Established in 1939, Cornerstone Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial cooperative with $110 million in assets, serving nearly 14,000 members. Cornerstone offers service centers in Freeport, South Beloit and Sterling. Membership is open to anyone living or working in the Illinois counties of Boone, Bureau, Carroll, JoDaviess, Lee, Ogle