Resource Center to start building campaign
BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Editor
Crammed into an old building on Washburn’s Main Avenue, is one of the places of refuge for those in great need in the county. This building is at times packed full of canned goods and fresh vegetables. Even when its shelves are empty, it always has folks eager to help those in need.
It’s the McLean Family Resource Center and it serves all of McLean County from fulfilling food needs, to helping victims of violence.
A few years ago, the resource center was in a larger building that allowed room for the food, a clothing pantry and staff offices. But after losing their lease, they found another smaller option across the street.
Resource Center executive director Jenell Olson said she’s been on the lookout for property ever since the move in order to find a more suitable place to serve the growing county. After talking with Brad and Edie Sheldon of Washburn, she found out about a wonderful opportunity.
The Burgum property, seven small lots behind Chase Drug in Washburn, has been owned by the family since the early 1900s. Edie Sheldon is the last remaining of her family, she said. Her parents were Gordon and Olga Burgum. Her other brothers and sisters were James, Margaret Plasterer, Marian Burgum Stevens and John. Edie worked with her niece Jan Stoppler and eight other relatives to make sure that the donation of the seven lots to the Resource Center was agreeable to everyone. Everyone agreed it would be a great thing to do.
