Key Points

• Marathon Petroleum's Robinson refinery in Illinois donated to Crawford County Cares to support the opening of its new, larger facility.

• Crawford County Cares provides nutritious meals and opportunities for community connection, supporting local families, seniors and individuals facing food insecurity.

• The donation helped fund renovations, kitchen equipment and supplies at the new location, supporting the organization's efforts to serve an estimated 10,000 people.

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A donation from Marathon Petroleum's Robinson refinery in Illinois has helped local nonprofit Crawford County Cares open a new facility to support neighbors facing food insecurity and bring people together through shared meals.

The contribution supported renovations and equipment purchases at the organization's new location in Robinson, helping create a larger, dedicated space where volunteers can prepare and serve nutritious meals.

“Having a dedicated space with the equipment we need will make a tremendous difference in how we serve our community,” said Kathy Chamblin, Vice Chair of Crawford County Cares. “This support from Marathon will help us create a welcoming place where people can enjoy a nutritious meal, connect with their neighbors and know they’re part of a community that cares.”

Robinson refinery representatives Vice President of Refining Rob Hicks and Human Resources Director Shane Sanders toured the facility ahead of its opening to learn more about the organization's plans and how the new location would benefit Crawford County residents.

“This support from Marathon will help us create a welcoming place where people can enjoy a nutritious meal, connect with their neighbors and know they have a community that cares about them.”

“It was a great opportunity to see firsthand the important role this organization plays in our community and how our support will help them continue that work in their new space,” Hicks said. “Their work goes beyond providing meals. They're bringing people together, building connections and helping ensure our neighbors have access to resources and support when they need it most.”

The funding helped cover remodeling expenses and essential kitchen equipment and supplies, including:

• Food preparation equipment: A commercial convection oven, 20-quart mixer, meat slicer and microwave.
• Kitchen improvements: A three-compartment sink, ice machine, water softener and updated plumbing fixtures.
• Cooking and serving supplies: Cookware, utensils and other items needed to prepare and serve meals.
• Facility upgrades: New flooring, signage, safety equipment and driveway improvements.

Crawford County Cares supports local families, seniors and individuals facing food insecurity, as well as those looking for companionship and a chance to connect with others over a meal.

The organization previously served meals on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Robinson Free Methodist Church. With efforts projected to serve approximately 10,000 people, the new, much larger facility provides additional space to support its mission of providing nutritious meals and strengthening community connections throughout Crawford County.