Jackson Township Board Approves Elwood Baseball Donation, Reviews Food Pantry Transition

Jackson Township Board Meeting | January 14, 2026

Article Summary: The Jackson Township Board approved a $1,000 donation to the Elwood Baseball & Softball Association and received an update on the ongoing operational transition of the Elwood Food Pantry.

Community Services Key Points:

• Trustees unanimously approved a $1,000 donation to support the Elwood Baseball & Softball Association.

• Brandon Doden updated the board on efforts to move responsibility for the Elwood Food Pantry to various helping organizations.

• Doden revealed that he currently donates his township stipend directly to the organizations assisting him with the pantry.

The Jackson Township Board of Trustees on January 14, 2026, voted to financially support local youth sports while also reviewing ongoing operational changes at the Elwood Food Pantry.

During the new business portion of the meeting, the board considered a request for community support. Following a brief review, Trustee Michele Hallihan motioned to approve a $1,000 donation to the Elwood Baseball & Softball Association. Trustee Jake Fanning seconded the motion.

The donation passed unanimously in a 3-0 roll call vote, with Trustee Jake Fanning, Trustee Norm Fanning, and Trustee Hallihan voting in favor. Trustee Coley O’Connell was absent from the meeting.

The board also heard an update on the Elwood Food Pantry from Brandon Doden, who has been managing the community resource. According to the meeting minutes, Doden attended the meeting to inform the board that he is “continuing to work on moving the responsibility for the food pantry to various organizations.”

The operational shift prompted a question from Township Assessor LeGrett, who asked Doden how much time is currently put into running the food pantry. During the discussion, it was revealed that Doden currently receives a stipend from Jackson Township for his work, but he actively donates that stipend back to the various organizations that help him run the community service.