MATTOON, IL (Chambana Today) – In the wake of the ongoing Mattoon Lake water crisis, the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois (CFECI) has stepped up to provide urgently needed support—delivering $18,000 in emergency relief grants to five Coles County organizations at the forefront of the crisis response.

On July 23rd, CFECI staff and board members visited Mattoon to hand-deliver checks to nonprofits and a business-serving organization that have been critical in providing food, water, and economic relief to residents and businesses impacted by the water emergency.

The largest grant, totaling $8,000, was awarded to The Salvation Army of Mattoon, where food pantry shelves were running critically low. Envoy Cari Shepard said demand reached record levels, with hundreds of families depending on the pantry. “This support will help serve around 800 families,” Shepard said. “It will also allow us to purchase shelf-stable milk—something we haven’t been able to distribute for over six months.”

The Mattoon Chamber of Commerce received a $6,000 grant to aid local businesses—particularly restaurants—hit hard by the crisis. Executive Director Ed Dowd praised the community’s generosity, noting some businesses declined aid to ensure others in greater need could be helped. “Our restaurants are open, ready, and grateful for your support.”

Lytle Park, which became a water distribution hub at the height of the crisis, was awarded $2,000. Despite the pool being closed, staff served up to 3,000 vehicles per day. CFECI Board Member Jacob Dickey called the park’s efforts “nothing short of heroic.”

Another $2,000 was granted to the Peace Meals program at Sarah Bush Lincoln Memorial Hospital, which has been delivering meals—and clean water—to seniors and homebound residents across the region. “For many, Peace Meals is their only daily human interaction,” said Kimberly Lockhart, who accepted the grant on the program’s behalf. “It’s not just a meal—it’s a lifeline.”

With CFECI’s $18,000 added to a $27,000 contribution from the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, $45,000 in emergency relief has now been directed toward Coles County organizations responding to the crisis. CFECI President & CEO Allison Winter added, “We’re proud to support the boots-on-the-ground organizations making a real difference.”

To learn more or contribute to ongoing recovery efforts, visit www.cfeci.org.