Keri Olson from The United Way
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In this episode of the Regional Media Podcast Network, Carrie Olson from the United Way of Whiteside County joins to discuss the ongoing 'Let's Feed Our Children' summer food program, which has seen a 207% increase in meals served over the past four years. The campaign is currently collecting fruit cups, applesauce, and other single-serve fruits—especially peaches, pears, and pineapples—as these are the children's favorites, while fruit cocktail is the least popular. Olson emphasizes the importance of community donations, noting that demand outpaces supply and urging people to start early to avoid shortages near Mother's Day. She also highlights two easy ways to support United Way: Walmart's Roundup for Good for online grocery shoppers and Kroger Community Rewards for in-store shoppers using the code BB428. Additionally, she promotes MyFreeTaxes.com, a free tax preparation service for those earning under $67,000, which includes expert help and is powered by TaxSlayer. The episode closes with a celebration of Bid United, the organization’s five-year-old online auction, which had its best year yet, raising significant funds for the food program and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Start donating fruit cups and applesauce now—especially peaches, pears, and pineapples—for the Let's Feed Our Children program, as demand is high and supplies may run out near Mother's Day.
Use Walmart’s Roundup for Good or Kroger Community Rewards (code BB428) to donate small amounts automatically with grocery purchases.
MyFreeTaxes.com offers free tax filing for those earning under $67,000, including expert assistance, and is available to all regardless of income.
Bid United, the online auction, raised record funds this year—don’t miss your chance to claim your winning item at the United Way office.
Community support is critical: local churches, businesses, and individual donors are all vital to the success of the summer food program.
Introducing Carrie Olson and the Let's Feed Our Children Initiative
“In the past four years, we've grown 207% in the number of lunches that we served.”
Fruit Cup Drive: What Kids Want and Why It Matters
“Applesauce followed by the three Ps, peaches, pears, and pineapples. I also found their least favorite. Nobody likes fruit cocktail.”
How to Donate: Drop-Offs, Bulk Purchases, and Timing
The episode outlines donation logistics, including drop-off locations, the importance of early giving, and tips for stretching donations through bulk purchases at Sam's Club or Costco.
Easy Ways to Support: Walmart Roundup for Good & Kroger Community Rewards
“You just need to go to walmart.com and search Registry for Good, and they'll get you signed up.”
MyFreeTaxes: Free Tax Help for Low-Income Families
“100% free, no charges, no charges for state, no charges for federal.”
“In the past four years, we've grown 207% in the number of lunches that we served.”
“We ended with our best year in years for this online auction.”
“Applesauce followed by the three Ps, peaches, pears, and pineapples. I also found their least favorite. Nobody likes fruit cocktail.”
Host
Guest
United Way of Whiteside County
organization
Carrie Olson
person
Let's Feed Our Children
other
Bid United
other
MyFreeTaxes
product
Kroger Community Rewards
other
Walmart Roundup for Good
other
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
other
Rock Falls Fire Department
organization
TaxSlayer
organization
Janna from Sterling Main Street
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