Decatur Soup Kitchen Raises $245K in 2 Months

When the Good Samaritan Inn in Decatur, Illinois, faced possible closure in December, executive director Tanya Melendez reached out to her community with an urgent ask. The response has been nothing short of remarkable.

In just two months, local residents have donated $245,000 toward the soup kitchen's $410,000 goal. That's more than 60% of what the Inn needs to keep its doors open and its tables full.

The fundraising push became necessary because more hungry neighbors are walking through the doors than ever before. The Good Sam now serves over 75,000 meals each year, a jump of nearly 25,000 meals from previous years.

Unlike many food assistance programs, the Inn receives no state or federal funding. Every plate of warm food depends entirely on community generosity and volunteer hours.

"I cannot say thank you enough to the community for all the support they have provided," Melendez told WAND News. Her gratitude reflects what happens when a small city rallies around one of its most vulnerable populations.

The Ripple Effect

The Good Samaritan Inn's success story goes beyond dollars raised. It's evidence that communities still show up when neighbors need help.

Those 75,000 meals represent 75,000 moments when someone in Decatur didn't have to choose between food and medicine, or food and rent. Each donation, whether $5 or $500, helps ensure that anyone who walks into the Good Sam leaves with a full stomach and a bit of dignity intact.

The organization still welcomes monetary donations through its website, but it's also looking for people who can give their time. Volunteers keep the operation running smoothly and help stretch every donated dollar further.

With $165,000 left to raise by the end of June, the Good Sam has four months to close the gap. If the past two months are any indication, Decatur isn't done giving.