The Freeburg Chamber of Commerce is saddened to announce that we have made the difficult decision to cancel our annual Fall Festival and Chili Cook Off in 2020 due to COVID-19 and associated restrictions. This is difficult for us not only because the tireless efforts of our volunteers and friends in the community have made this an increasingly successful event, but because it has become a major fund raiser for two worthy Freeburg charities. Last year, the Fall Festival raised $13,026 for the Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank and Utility Assistance Fund.
The Food and Clothing Bank is run by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. The bank recently moved into a larger building 1050 N State Street. The Food and Clothing Bank helps between 30-40 families each month with food and clothing donations collected from around the Freeburg community. The bank is open the first and second Tuesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm and the third Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. To contact the Food and Clohting Bank or donate, call 618.539.5070 for more information.
We urge the community to help out these worthy causes in a year when the COVID-19 has caused financial hardship on many families in our community. The virus and shutdowns have also caused hardship for our member business, so please remember to shop Freeburg first and do all that you can to support or community establishments while staying safe.
The Freeburg Chamber is considering alternative ways to help these charities in 2020.