If you’ve lived in Gibson City, Illinois, for long, you know that residents never hesitate to lend a helping hand. In fact, the Gibson City area is home to numerous nonprofits and charities that are dedicated to providing much-needed assistance throughout the community. Take a closer look at 10 local nonprofits in Gibson City and learn how you can get involved through donations or volunteer work.
As a branch of Shriners International, the Corn Belt Shrine Club draws on over 100 years of charitable deeds. The Corn Belt Shrine Club is a fraternal organization based on fellowship and personal development. Like all branches of Shriners International, the Gibson City chapter welcomes men from all walks of life.
Members of the Corn Belt Shrine Club host a full calendar of social events and charitable drives. In 2020 alone, the chapter held a motorcycle raffle, a memorial motorcycle ride, a barbecue event, and several holiday festivals. In many cases, proceeds from the Corn Belt Shrine Club’s events go to support Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of nearly two dozen health care facilities.
The not-for-profit Gibson Area Food Pantry serves people in need throughout Ford County, including those living in the Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley school district. Although the organization focuses on providing food, it also distributes household and personal items to those in need. The food pantry maintains a regular schedule of distributing items on the second and fourth Saturdays every month.
The Gibson Area Food Pantry accepts donations from the Gibson Area Hospital, the local school district, community businesses and churches, and local donors. To get involved, consider making a food or financial donation, or contact the organization to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
The Gibson Area Hospital Foundation is one of the largest and most established nonprofits in the area. Since 2000, the foundation has raised funds and hosted programs to support health care and education in and around Gibson City.
In recent years, the foundation has committed millions of dollars to the construction of hospital buildings, significantly improving the area’s health care offerings. The foundation is currently raising funds for a $9 million hospital expansion that includes an infusion center, therapy services, and a department for orthopedics and cardiology.
If you’d like to contribute to the area’s health care system, the foundation makes it easy to donate. Simply navigate to the Gibson Area Hospital Foundation’s giving page and make a donation via debit or credit card. You can also participate in various fundraising efforts, such as FORE: The Hospital Golf Outing.
Since 2009, the Gibson Area Music Foundation has brought music to the local community. True to its mission, the Gibson Area Music Foundation hosts a wide range of events designed to foster music education and participation throughout the community. The group is best known for coordinating classical music performances that feature local musicians and singers and allow Gibson City residents to enjoy a high-caliber event.
Since 1978, Gibson City Area Telecare Service has worked to help older residents access the health care services they need. It also works to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments and pharmacies. This nonprofit provides services for senior citizens and partners with the Gibson Area Hospital Foundation to improve local health care options.
As a chapter of the national Community After School Programs, the Gibson City branch provides child care for students attending Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley Elementary School. The program is designed for students from kindergarten through fifth grade and includes a range of educational programs. Students attending the program can receive assistance with homework and participate in outdoor and team-building activities.
As one of the longest-standing nonprofit organizations in the area, Gibson City Community Chest has served the community since 1962. This nonprofit is connected with United Way, an international organization that addresses education and health care needs in communities across the globe.
Gibson City Community Chest partners with other local organizations to amplify fundraising efforts. In recent years, the nonprofit has raised funds for the Community After School Program, the Ford County Youth Soccer Club, ACT Theatre Company, and Girl Scouts Unit 619.
The Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley Booster Club is a nonprofit organization focused on improving educational opportunities for the community. The club supports students and facilities in the Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley school district.
In recent years, the club has hosted family-friendly events designed to raise funds for the school district’s athletic facilities. For example, in 2013, the booster club funded a scoreboard with an LED video display for the Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School football and track stadium.
One of the newest nonprofits in the area, the Gibson City Restoration Association was founded in 2020. Despite its age, the organization is committed to preserving local history and improving community spaces. The association’s most recent events include raising funds to sponsor a skate park and outdoor community space in Gibson City. The association also hosts the weekly Gibson City Queen of Hearts Raffle, which helps connect the community.
Part of Rotary International, the Gibson City Rotary Foundation is committed to creating lasting change in the local community. This local chapter has given back to the community since 2015, and Rotary International has contributed to charitable causes for over 100 years. Members contribute to the local food pantry, maintain community spaces, and support health care initiatives.
It’s easy to get involved in this charitable organization’s activities. Go to Rotary International’s membership page, and the Gibson City Rotary Foundation can walk you through the membership process. Depending on the organization’s needs, you may be able to volunteer at events or oversee initiatives for the community.
Since 1980, Hustedt Jewelers has been proud to be part of such a giving community. Meet the Hustedt Jewelers team and learn how we’re dedicated to making Gibson City better than ever.