The C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation has honored a Vandalia business and an area group for Community Service Excellence. During C.E.F.S.’s annual meeting some very special people and groups were recognized and one of those was County Market in Vandalia. C.E.F.S. says County Market in Vandalia and General Manager Justin Atwood understand the needs of the community and the mission of area agencies in trying to help people in need. County Market does what it can to help the C.E.F.S. Fayette County Outreach Food Pantry. Atwood and the staff at County Market do a price match for food orders that are placed for the food pantry and then County Market staff deliver the food once the order arrives. In addition to helping the food pantry, County Market is involved with and works with other local organizations including schools, churches and youth programs.
Also recognized at their annual meeting for Community Excellence was the South Central Illinois Law Dogs, which is a chapter of the law enforcement motorcycle club Law Dogs that strives to help agencies in various counties including Fayette County. The Law Dogs volunteer time to collect food and monetary donations to help support the C.E.F.S. Fayette County Outreach Food Pantry to help keep their shelves stocked to assist people in need of food. The Law Dogs also reach out to area veterans in nursing homes supplying Christmas gifts to those who may not otherwise receive one, with those gifts made up of personal care items. After that drive is over and gifts are distributed, the remaining hygiene and personal care items are donated to the Fayette County Outreach Office where hygiene packets are made for the homeless and others in need.
For both County Market and the South Central Illinois Law Dogs, C.E.F.S. CEO Paul White said “Without community partners like these two it would be difficult to attain and achieve the agency outcomes and successes.”