The Story of W.H.I.P.

By Diana Sluder, special thanks to Lori Weston

Longtime Washington resident Lori Weston has always been an enthusiastic supporter of the Washington WHIP (Washington Helps Its People) organization, which was founded in December 1982. This was a period when many Washington residents and families faced tough economic times, as Caterpillar Inc. was experiencing cutbacks, layoffs, and labor strikes. WHIP’s goal at that time was to help Washington’s families during the holidays.

Having volunteered within WHIP over the years and now leading it as its current President, Lori Weston is always happy to share the “inside scoop” on the history of this highly successful group, made up of residents of all ages who united to form WHIP (Washington Helps Its People) in December 1982. With the success of this 1982 drive, WHIP subsequently expanded its purpose to serve not only Caterpillar employees and their families but also all Washington residents and families who were struggling to find work, facing cutbacks, and unable to meet their families' needs through no fault of their own.  

Early Washington WHIP volunteers and residents, including Donna Meldahl, Gail Fitzpatrick, Ginger Harmon, and Elizabeth McDonald, organized food baskets. Families greatly appreciated the food baskets. The women realized that one food basket would not meet the full need. Area churches considered starting a food pantry, but one well-supported pantry, backed by many churches, seemed a better way to serve the community than several small, struggling pantries. The unemployment rate grew to double digits. The volunteers decided to open the doors, calling it Washington Helps Its People, permanently on February 6, 1983. These dedicated, hard-working volunteers are the reason WHIP exists today. These women had the perseverance to see it through, from a rocky beginning to a well-organized operation, earning the City of Washington the Governor's Hometown Award twice, thanks to the caring people of Washington who support WHIP.

OTHER LOCATIONS OF WHIP

WHIP was first located at the Herbst store on Washington Square. Its next location was Hillcrest Plaza, and later, WHIP moved to Bill Maher Drugstore.  It then moved to 2165 Washington Road, across from Team Works, where it remained for many years. As the number of clients grew, more space was needed, so WHIP moved to Mt. Vernon Plaza in 2015, where it remains today. In 2015, WHIP also added evening hours on distribution days to serve more clients.

PRESENT LEADERS OF WHIP IN 2025

Today, the following residents of Washington are the leaders of WHIP:  Lori Weston—President; Sharla Davis—Vice President; Wendy Norlin—Treasurer; Kathy Schkink—Secretary;  Debbie Burdette—Director; and Leesa Garber—Director. Jackie Clary was a leader of WHIP for many years. Jackie’s love for the clients was always evident in the relationships she built. Jackie’s guidance to the leaders today has been invaluable.

WHIP PROVIDES….

WHIP provides nonperishable food, hamburger, fresh fruit, eggs, cheese, bread, and butter.  Fresh vegetables are available during the garden season, provided by the Washington Food Pantry Garden.

OTHER FACTS ABOUT WHIP

The number of clients has increased significantly since 2022. WHIP is now serving an average of 182 families per distribution, which translates to 364 families per month.

WHIP has a solid volunteer base of 22 regular volunteers and 10 substitute volunteers.

WHIP is the recipient of many food drives, church collections, school collections, and donations from very many generous residents of Washington.  Stamp Out Hunger, hosted by the U.S. Postal Service, is the largest food drive.  This drive is held on the second Saturday of May.  Washington schools also collect food for WHIP.  Local businesses donate food and host food drives in their stores.  The Washington churches also encourage collections of food, which is donated to WHIP.  WHIP leaders maintain an inventory of the amount of food needed each month to serve all the families.  It is the desire of WHIP that WHIP does not run out of food.  Additionally, food is purchased with monetary donations from generous residents, organizations, and churches, as well as from Aldi’s and Lindy’s, each month, to ensure the shelves are stocked.

Schools, church groups, and community groups are the most significant sources of volunteer groups that help with projects at WHIP.  WCHS students help pick the monthly food orders at Lindy’s and Aldi’s.  The churches support in so many ways, from collecting food to cleaning WHIP!

WHIP is open on the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Weston commented that the WHIP organization runs smoothly with no significant difficulties in meeting the needs of Washington residents.

Overall, the Washington community continuously supports WHIP through individuals, churches, schools, businesses, and civic organizations.  WHIP is very grateful for the support!

REQUIREMENTS OF THE VOLUNTEERS AND RECIPIENTS

The only requirement to volunteer at WHIP is a love for serving and showing the love of Jesus.   The only requirement to receive food from WHIP is to be a resident of the 61571 zip code.  Proof is required from a valid ID and a utility bill, lease agreement, or a current piece of mail.

WHIP has been successful due to the strong foundation built by the founding volunteers and continues to receive support from the Washington community.  The support of all community entities was essential for the success of WHIP.   WHIP has always been and still is an all-volunteer-based organization.  The support warms the volunteers’ hearts.  Past clients have donated food as a gesture of gratitude for the help they received.  The generosity of the Washington community is fantastic.

RUNNING CHARACTERISTICS OF WHIP

WHIP is set up similarly to a small grocery store.  Clients shop with a volunteer to select the food they need.  The number of items a client receives is based on the number of people in their family.  Volunteers carry the food to the client’s car.  Customer touch is very important to WHIP.

WHIP was granted 501(c)(3) status in January 2020.  This enables the donors to claim charitable contributions.  This also enabled WHIP to receive food from Midwest Food Bank.

WHIP has a website, whipfoodpantry.org, and a Facebook page, Washington Helps Its People.  This is how WHIP communicates with the community. 

Additionally, the Food Pantry Garden, located between Five Points and the Fire Station, supports WHIP.  WHIP clients highly appreciate fresh produce in the summer.

RESEARCH OF WHIP GROWING AND EXPANDING SINCE 1983 

Amazingly, historical-loving readers of Washington-area newspapers will find various published columns covering the growth of Washington’s WHIP listing community, which includes members who dedicated numerous hours to encouraging the growth spurts of WHIP.  Among the names included are WHIP leaders Sandy McCrary, Jackie Clary, Amy Kars, Lori Weston, Julie Weston, Ken Koch, and many others.