November 01, 2024
Local News

Cancelled Christmas concert affects food pantries

Mt. Morris Christmas Cantata won’t happen this year

By Jeff Helfrich

Organizers of the annual Mt. Morris Christmas Cantata are asking for donations for the food pantries the free annual concert usually helps. This year's concert has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo supplied.

For the first time since 2004, northwest Illinois musicians will not gather in early December to present the Mt. Morris Christmas Cantata, a free community concert.

Concerns about COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the holiday tradition, which showcased vocalists and instrumentalists from throughout the northwest Illinois region.

The event was a fundraiser for local food pantries, Loaves and Fish in Mt. Morris and Lifeline in Oregon, which had each received approximately $600 every year since 2010.

Food pantries are experiencing an increase in requests this year, due to the pandemic’s strain on the economy. To make up for lost support from the annual Christmas Cantata, the concert committee is asking the public to donate directly to their local food pantries, including Loaves and Fish, 409 W. Brayton Rd., Mt. Morris, IL 61054, 815-734-4573, and Lifeline Food Pantry, 201 N. 3rd St. #6, Oregon, IL 61061, 815-732-7891.

Music lovers can enjoy a rebroadcast of a Christmas concert at mmchristmascantata.com.