White County, Illinois held two fundraisers Saturday. One to benefit the victims of an oil tank explosion, the other to benefit the family of murder victim Jacob Wheeler.
Saturday's fundraisers in White County accumulated thousands of dollars, from people who say the community has been through a lot.
Steve Talley of Carmi's Pay It Forward Forever organization says White County has been through a lot over the past couple of years, but he says the community has a strong resolve.
"Everybody is either a cousin or brother or something to somebody," Talley said. "And when one goes down, we all just seem like, you know, we're there to help."
Saturday, PIFF held a car wash and bake sale to benefit the family of Jacob Wheeler, a young southern Illinois man who was murdered two weeks ago.
"This money here today is going to go to the funeral home to help pay the Wheeler boy's expenses," Talley noted.
Just down the road, multiple organizations came together for another fundraiser in Enfield, Illinois. This time, to benefit the victims of an oil tank explosion, that happened in July.
"Masonic Lodge here was asked to see what they would do for a fundraiser. So, we kind of started as a small pork chop dinner and then some other organizations to get involved. And it kind of exploded into what we're doing today," said event organizer Jim Bolin. "So, we had originally planned the biscuits and gravy in the morning, and then a boot brigade in the midday hours, and in the evening, we're going to do the pork chops."
Bolin, of Enfield, says their fundraiser was very successful, having raised about $8,000 just as the pork chop dinner got started. In Carmi, Talley says they raised over $2,500.
"This small community we're in, whenever there's a need, it's unbelievable what they'll do for you," said Bolin.
"If it wasn't for all the fundraisers and stuff, and everybody bringing stuff in, I mean, we'd be in a world of hurt," said Jacob Wheeler's father Harold. "You just can't say enough for White County."
In addition to Saturday's fundraisers, donation containers for Jessica Evans, Wheeler's girlfriend and the second victim in that murder case, have been placed at local businesses. And friends of the Evans family tell us a raffle will be held for the family's benefit, later this month during 'Dairy Days.'
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