Local media were recognized for the editorial and advertising support: WSDR/WZZT/WSSQ, WLLT, Whiteside Sentinel, Turnroth Signs, and Sauk Valley Newspapers. Sterling Schools were recognized for showing the greatest increase in the Education Division; pledges were up 34 percent in the district office, and 25 percent at the high school.

Wahl Clipper Corp. received the award for the Highest Percentage over Goal in the Major Firms Division. Wahl Clipper also received the award for their employee and corporate pledges being up 14 percent over last year’s giving.

Sauk Valley Foodbank was recognized for winning the 2009 Governor’s Hometown Award. The Foodbank is an important part of not only feeding our community, but also in housing the Back-to-School supplies and storing food for the Let’s Feed Our Children summer lunch program. The first Helping Hands award was given to WalMart Distribution Center 7024 for not only their employee and corporate contributions, but also for helping Morrison Day Care with their playground resurfacing and supporting the LIFE program. “Lending a Hand is a Gift from the Heart.” The second Helping Hands award was given to volunteers from CGH for packing the Back-to-School supplies.

The first Spirit Award was given to JC Penney’s. Not only did they have a great workplace campaign, but also organized and ran the Annual Gala event and the chili cook-off. They also allowed the “Let’s Feed our Children” volunteers to sell coffee outside their store on the morning of “Black Friday.” The second Spirit Award went to new United Way supporter, Frontier Communications of Morrison. Frontier ran a special promotion for their customers and donated the proceeds to United Way. Community State Bank was given an award for 100 percent employee giving.

The Volunteer of the Year award was given to Michael Shoger, president of Sterling Federal Bank. Mike was in charge of the Real Estate division. He brought in new accounts and raised the division’s pledges by 400 percent! Mike handed out awards to RE/Max, Sterling and RE/Max Rock Falls for their campaigns.

Each year elementary school children in Whiteside County are encouraged to help other boys and girls by donating pennies. Elementary school children collected a total of 1,002,661 pennies in 2009. The classroom in each building that raised the most pennies per capita received a popcorn party in December.

Finally, the amount of pledges to date was announced: $709,561. The twenty member agencies and the 47 programs they provide, thank the community for their support.