10/20/2026
This is a long read but please spend a minute checking it out. COMMUNITY MATTERS, AND WE HAVE SOME VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE TO THANK!
I want to recognize some incredible individuals and local businesses who help make what we do at Wit & Wisdom Senior Center possible every day.
The reality is: Without funding, generosity, and community support, we couldn't provide the services that so many seniors throughout Franklin County depend on. Every donation, every helping hand, and every act of kindness makes a difference!
We've had several things happen recently that deserve some special recognition.
First, a very special thank you to Ms. Kristi Bussler!
Many of you saw our recent announcement that we had finally raised enough money to replace our more than 40-year-old walk-in freezer and cooler. ALL our donors deserve tremendous appreciation, I want to recognize someone whose work behind the scenes helps make accomplishments like this possible.
Our Director of Grants, Kristi Bussler, works tirelessly researching grants, securing funding, and finding creative ways to stretch every dollar we have.
Something many people don't realize is that Kristi also works with a government surplus program that allows us to obtain much-needed equipment at little to no cost. Through her efforts, we've received office copiers, ice cream machines, tables, chairs, and so much more!
She's currently working on a couple of things pretty big, too, but we'll save that announcement until we know if it happens! Fingers crossed!
These efforts save us thousands of dollars that can instead go directly toward serving our seniors.
Kristi, your hard work and dedication don't go unnoticed. We appreciate you tremendously, and we truly couldn't do it without you. THANK YOU!
Next, our wonderful friends at Kroger in West Frankfort!
Our local West Frankfort IL Kroger store has been an incredible supporter of Wit & Wisdom. Store Manager Jordan, along with Shelby, Krissy, Wilma, Karrie, and the entire Kroger team, consistently go above and beyond for our seniors.
Recently, Kroger blessed us with a tremendous donation of thousands of items that we will be able to pass directly along to seniors throughout Franklin County.
These aren't just boxes of merchandise. They're items that can make life a little easier for someone who needs a helping hand.
To Jordan and the entire Kroger family, THANK YOU for your continued generosity and for showing what it means to be a true community partner!
And finally, a big thank you and shout out to a local business that’s been around taking care of people in the area for many years, Thank you to Bill Glodich Honda and super employee Will Scales!
This past weekend, Kroger called to let us know they had a large donation for the center. Wonderful news! But I had one little problem... how was I going to transport everything?
Sometimes all it takes is one phone call!
My son, Will Scales (our favorite Honda employee), made a call, and without hesitation, Bill Glodich Honda graciously offered us a truck and trailer to get the job done!
No red tape, no complications. Just a local business stepping up to help our community.
And I can't leave out Will, who gave up his Sunday to help his mom and dad load, haul, and unload thousands of items that will ultimately benefit our seniors.
To Bill Glodich Honda, thank you for your generosity! And to Will, thank you for giving up your day off to help us. I'm proud of you!
THIS IS WHAT COMMUNITY IS ALL ABOUT!
People see the meals we serve, the deliveries we make, and the programs we provide, but they don't always see the incredible people and businesses working behind the scenes to make it all happen.
We're a nonprofit doing everything we can, with the resources we have, to improve the lives of older adults throughout Franklin County. And we simply couldn't do it alone.
To Kristi, Kroger, Bill Glodich Honda, Will, and EVERYONE who supports our mission through donations, volunteer hours, financial contributions, or simply lending a hand when needed:
Please know you're making a difference. A REAL difference.
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
