Dot Foods awards $29,000 in grants to 29 West Central Illinois nonprofits

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Dot Foods, Inc., the nation’s largest food industry redistributor, hosted its Charitable Development Day on Wednesday, July 9, at its Mount Sterling headquarters and the Brown County Library. The company welcomed 29 nonprofit organizations from across West Central Illinois for a full day of learning, connection, and recognition. As part of the program, Dot named Sarah Goers as its 2024 Volunteer of the Year and honored nine employee finalists for their outstanding community service.

The day was co-sponsored by Dot’s Mount Sterling charitable committee and Teaming with Local Charities (TLC) volunteer program. Together, these two programs reach 11 West Central Illinois counties through community grants, food donations and hands-on volunteer work.

In a press release, Dot Foods corporate safety manager and event organizer Katie Berens said “Charitable Development Day gives us a unique opportunity to connect with a large group of local nonprofits making a real difference in the places we live and work. “From addressing food insecurity and improving access to healthcare to offering shelter and support during difficult times, these organizations help meet the everyday needs of our communities. The day is about creating space for us all to learn together, build relationships, and reinforce our shared commitment to giving back.”

Dot’s Charitable Development Day centered on learning and meaningful conversation. Each nonprofit shared its mission and impact with Dot employees and other attendees. The morning included educational sessions, followed by workshops and small group discussions in the afternoon.

Participating organizations included the United Way of Adams County, Beardstown Food Pantry, Mount Sterling YMCA, WIU Food Pantry and other groups focused on education, food access, health services and community outreach.

As a surprise during the event, each participating nonprofit received a $1,000 grant from Dot to support their ongoing work. In total, the company distributed $29,000 in grants.

“Our goal is to listen, learn and build stronger relationships with the organizations doing essential work across our region,” said Berens. “We’re proud to stand alongside them, not just with grants, but with time, attention, and ongoing partnership.”

Dot named Sarah Goers as the company’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Goers has logged more than 270 volunteer hours through Dot’s TLC program, supporting causes such as Action Brown County, United Way, Ronald McDonald House and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a cause that is deeply personal to her family.

Goers’ experience as a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis made the impact of volunteering especially clear. The people who brought meals, left encouraging notes or helped her navigate resources were there not because they had to be, but because they chose to be. Goers described volunteering as deeply meaningful, sharing that helping others feel love and joy is what makes life worth living. Whether recognized or not, she believes the simple act of showing up for others is what truly matters.

In recognition of her service, Dot awarded Goers a $1,000 donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and a two-night off-season stay at RT’s Cove, Dot’s private retreat in Osage Beach, Mo.

Dot also honored nine employee finalists, each of whom selected a nonprofit to receive a $250 donation:

• Patty Barchak – Columbian Charities
• Kathie Brasel – Beardstown Food Pantry
• Lora Decker – St. Mary’s School
• Amanda Llewellyn – Golden Historical Society
• Stephanie Monroe – American Diabetes Association
• Linda Pontnack – QUANADA
• Chloe Reich – Versailles Growth Committee
• Stacey Volk – United Way of Brown County
• Lindsay Wiskirchen – Community for Christ Assistance Center

“Our Volunteer of the Year award celebrates the Dot and Dot Transportation team members who quietly go above and beyond, giving their time and energy to make a real difference,” said Jessica Mock, director of Dot’s Teaming with Local Charities program. “This year’s finalists have volunteered countless hours, supported causes close to their hearts and consistently shown up for their communities. We’re proud to recognize their impact.”

In 2024, Dot employees across all locations completed 4,630 volunteer hours as part of Dot’s TLC program. Employees also contributed $32,800 to various nonprofits through program incentives. At the Mount Sterling headquarters alone, employees volunteered 3,120 hours and directed $27,000 to local causes.

Dot Foods and Dot Transportation are both looking to fill several positions for full and part-time drivers and warehouse personnel at all U.S. locations. To learn more about careers at Dot Foods visit Careers.DotFoods.com. For more on opportunities available with Dot Transportation, visit DotTransportation.com.