Kevin F. Kast, president and CEO of St. Mary's Hospital, announced the donation last month. The donations go directly to Decatur Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army to feed the hungry in the local community. "Many people in Decatur and surrounding areas don't have enough food to feed their family on a consistent basis," said Kast. "St. Mary's colleagues have stepped-up and helped out their community. We are making a difference."

"Our employees donated both money and food and both were delivered to WSOY," said Molly Wilson, chief communications officer for St. Mary's Hospital. "We're trying to work closely with the community to meet community needs. Our participation in the WSOY Food Drive matches our mission and values as a hospital.

"As part of our mission, St. Mary's commits our valuable resources to provide a family-centered approach in meeting the health care needs of all people in the community and surrounding areas — regardless of ability to pay," Wilson said, "and to foster the values of respect, care, joy and competence in our interactions with the community."

Additionally, several area schools took part in a friendly food drive competition that resulted in Decatur Catholic schools placing four times in the "top five" donator slots. St. Patrick School came in first, Our Lady of Lourdes came in second, St. Teresa High School came in fourth, and Holy Family School came in fifth.