Land of Lincoln Goodwill Hosts Annual Youth Mentoring Thanksgiving Dinner, Serving Local Families and Strengthening Community Connections
On Monday evening, Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries (LLGI) welcomed a full house of youth, families, mentors, and community partners for its annual Youth Mentoring Thanksgiving Dinner. This tradition has uplifted Central Illinois families since 2009. This year’s event reached capacity as attendees gathered to celebrate the holiday season and learn about vital education, employment, and family resources available through LLGI and partnering organizations.
During the event, the LLGI Youth Services team distributed 72 turkey and ham Thanksgiving meal baskets, ensuring that participating families had everything needed for a warm and dignified holiday celebration at home.
“We created this event to bring families together during a meaningful time of year, but it has grown into something much bigger,” said Dr. Ikenna Martin, Youth Services Director. “This dinner connects families to resources, encourages mentorship, and reminds young people that they are supported by an entire community.”
Returning Alumni Highlight Long-Term Impact of Youth Mentoring
This year’s dinner saw the return of former mentors and mentees traveling from as far as Minnesota and Kansas, demonstrating the lasting bonds built through LLGI’s Youth
Mentoring Program. Current participants had the chance to meet GoodGuides Youth Mentoring alumni—many now pursuing higher education, careers, and leadership roles.
“Seeing alumni come back from across the Midwest speaks volumes about the impact of this program,” said Amanda Sandner, Chief People Officer and Corporate Compliance Officer. “Their stories inspire our current youth and show what’s possible when young people have mentors, opportunities, and a community behind them.”
A Community Effort: Local Partners and Volunteers Make the Event Possible
Guests enjoyed a holiday meal prepared by several local vendors, including Gertrude’s Taste of Heaven, Bells’ Finest BBQ, PT’s, and Godfather’s Pizza, along with incredible volunteers who donated time and prepared turkeys, ham, dressings, and desserts.
LLGI also extends special thanks to Samuel Holmes Jr. of Jacksonville, who attended the event and personally delivered Thanksgiving baskets to youth who could not be present due to school and extracurricular commitments.
The event also served as a resource fair, connecting families with information and services from dedicated partners:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Birth to Five Initiative
- U.S. Bank – 6th Street Branch
- Lincoln Land Community College WEI & PATH Leaders and Students
- Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries Career Services
- Omega Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Expanding Opportunity Through Youth Services
The LLGI Youth Services Program provides mentoring, life skills training, academic support, and workforce development opportunities that empower youth across Central Illinois. The annual Thanksgiving Dinner is one of the program’s cornerstone traditions, reinforcing LLGI’s mission to support individuals and families in achieving independence and self-sufficiency.
“Land of Lincoln Goodwill is committed to uplifting young people and building stronger communities,” said Ron Culves, President & CEO of Land of Lincoln Goodwill. “Events like this show what happens when organizations, volunteers, and families come together to create meaningful change.”
About Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries
Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides job training, employment placement, services, and other community-based programs for people who have a disability, lack education or job experience, or face employment challenges. Founded in 1938, Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, Inc. has been providing services in 33 counties in central and southern Illinois and four counties in western Indiana. Today, Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries continues to operate one outlet store; 14 retail stores and donation centers; virtual Career Services, a Youth Mentoring Program in Springfield and Jacksonville; and vocational training for those with Intellectual Disabilities.
Our Mission: We strengthen communities by helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, offering work opportunities and skills development, and leading environmental sustainability.
