Author name: Elk Grove Township Staff

• Passport services: Elk Grove Township is an authorized Passport Acceptance Facility and provides assistance with new passport applications and renewals for those who are eligible. Walk-ins and appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Photos can be taken on-site at the Township for $10. Passport fees range based on the type of passport you are applying for. For exact amounts, please call 847-437-0300. To better serve our diverse community, passport agents are here to assist you in English, Spanish, and Polish. • Hunting and fishing licenses: Residents can get Illinois hunting and fishing licenses, including salmon, trout, and habitat stamps. Discounts are available for seniors, and certain groups — including youth under 16, disabled residents, and active-duty military members — may be exempt from fees. • Handicap placards: The Township issues temporary handicap placards with a completed physician’s form. Placards are issued for up to three months and are valid immediately. Staff members can also provide guidance on how to apply for permanent placards through the Secretary of State. • Voter registration assistance: Community Services staff offer support with voter registration applications, absentee and mail-in ballot requests, as well as resources for first-time voters or residents who would like to update their voter registration. • Notary services: Certified notary services are available to all Township residents. Proper identification and the documents to be notarized are required. Additional details about this service are available on the township website. “Each of these services is thoughtfully designed to simplify life for our residents by bringing them together under one roof,” said John Scaletta, township supervisor. “Our Community Services Office is committed to making support accessible and responsive.” For any questions, stop by the Community Services Office at 600 Landmeier Road, east entrance, Elk Grove Village, call (847) 437-0300, or visit elkgrovetownship.com and click on “Services” for more information, or to schedule an appointment.

“Due to increased need, the Township will begin its holiday outreach early, so every family can enjoy a less stressful holiday season,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor John Scaletta. “Each of these programs is dependent on the generosity of our community, and together we can make sure no one is left behind during the holidays.” Thanksgiving DonationsTo ensure every resident who relies on the Township Food Pantry receives a Thanksgiving meal, the Township is hosting a monetary drive with a goal of raising $14,000. With the Food Pantry serving more than 1,000 residents each month, these funds will be used to purchase items for complete holiday meals. Donations may be made using the forms in either the summer or fall newsletters, or directly on the Township website. Holiday Gift Drive Residents are invited to spread joy by sponsoring a child – or several children – through a $50 gift card donation to a local retailer. This unique program allows parents to purchase gifts their children truly wish for, making the holiday experience more personal and meaningful. Registration for the Holiday Gift Drive will be available in the fall newsletter (October) and on the Township’s website. Older Adult Angel Tree Starting November 1, Angel Trees will be on display in the lobbies of the Elk Grove Township office building, located at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village. Low-income seniors (65+) will be invited to share their holiday wishes on these trees. Community members will then select an ornament with a senior’s wish and help make the season merry and bright for older adults in need. For more information about any of these programs, including how to donate or register, please visit the ‘Ways to Donate’ page here: Elk Grove Township: Ways to Donate.

Dedicated to former Township Supervisor George K. Busse – who served the Township for 24 years as a trustee, clerk and ultimately supervisor – the lockers represent the Township’s commitment to serving as many residents as possible. The refrigerated units enable food pickups after hours and on weekends for those with transportation barriers or conflicting work schedules. The new innovative system is expected to assist 2,000 more individuals annually, offering greater flexibility. “Access to food is a basic need, and no one should have to choose between getting groceries and keeping a job to use our Food Pantry,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor John Scaletta. “These lockers bridge the gap ensuring we can serve more people who rely on this precious resource.” Scaletta emphasized that dedicating the lockers in Busse’s name, is a fitting tribute to his years of dedicated service to the Township, and most recently, his leadership as Supervisor. “George was deeply committed to expanding resources for our residents. Thanks to his leadership, adult and family counseling, services for seniors and youth programs all grew significantly, reflecting his passion for continuous improvement.” Currently, the Township’s Food Pantry serves approximately 1,200 households every month – a number that continues to rise due to increasing cost of living. Clients who have already registered to use the Food Pantry can call 224-265-6111 to place an order for an after-hours pick-up. Once an order is confirmed, simple instructions and a one-time secure code are provided to access items from the refrigerated lockers, which are located at the Township’s west entrance just inside the door. This innovation was made possible by generous support from Koloni, a leader in the locker industry and cutting-edge software, who donated the software subscription. Elk Grove Township extends its heartfelt thanks to Koloni and the community for their continued support in helping their neighbors in need to live with dignity. To learn more about the Food Pantry, visit elkgrovetownship.com or view the following video at https://bit.ly/EGT-Food-Pantry. For any questions, please call the Township at 847-437-0300.

Once homeowners are approved for this program, the volunteer team will arrive a week ahead of the painting to complete preparation work, including scraping, caulking and priming. On “paint day,” teams will meet in the morning and typically finish by the end of the day. “This is more than just a fresh coat of paint – it’s about helping to invest in the homes of individuals who would not otherwise be able to make this costly improvement,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “The Township is honored to be involved in such a meaningful, long term partnership, and I encourage our residents to apply.” To qualify for the program, a home must be owned and occupied by a senior who is 60 years of age or older, a veteran, or someone who has a permanent disability and is unable to paint the exterior themselves. Other eligibility criteria include: Income is not the only criteria considered; medical expenses and other special circumstances will also be taken into consideration to determine eligibility. Applications are now being accepted by Elk Grove Township’s Older Adult Programming & Benefits Specialist. For questions about eligibility and to apply to take advantage of the Community Paint-A-Thon, call 224-222-0942. Elk Grove Township is proud to be involved in this important community initiative. For more information about all the services provided to the community by Elk Grove Township, please visit elkgrovetownship.com.