COMMUNITY SERVICES

Coat Donation Drive: Winter is approaching, and you can help your neighbors in need stay warm through the township’s Winter Coat Drive, made possible due to a partnership with St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge. New or gently used clean coats for men, women and children are being accepted, with a special need for larger sizes. Coat donations are requested by Wednesday, Oct. 30, to the township (600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village) Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free Flu Vaccination Clinic: In partnership with Ascension Alexian Brothers, a free flu shot clinic will be available to township residents, 18 years of age and older. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended. The clinic will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the Elk Grove Township Meeting Hall, 600 Landmeier Road, in Elk Grove Village. Thanksgiving Donation Drive: Help the township reach its goal! The township’s Thanksgiving Donation Drive is now in full swing, and the community’s support is needed to meet the goal of $14,000 in donations. Currently, the township has raised nearly $3,000. This fundraising goal will ensure that all individuals who currently utilize the Food Pantry can enjoy traditional Thanksgiving meals. The pantry currently serves more than 1,000 residents each month. Donations can be made using the form in the summer edition of the township newsletter, or directly on the township website at https://elkgrovetownship.com/ways-to-donate/. “Whether it’s making sure residents experiencing financial challenges can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal or stay warm this winter with a much-needed coat, or by protecting the health of our residents through free flu shots, the Township is always working to meet the needs of our community members,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “It is our mission to support and empower people through community partnerships.” For information on these and other services offered by the township, call (847) 437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.

Although a football game, the Cereal Bowl trophy given to the winning team is not scored on points from touchdowns on the gridiron, but on the number of cereal boxes collected by each school’s supporters for the pantry.   “It’s really important for us,” Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse said of cereal boxes collected at the event. “It had lasted us for a year, but not last year or this year because demand is so high.” He said the township pantry is currently feeding 1,100 individuals or families a month.  In the first Cereal Bowl in 2016, Rolling Meadows defeated Elk Grove collecting 1,040 boxes of cereal to the Grenadiers’ 250, however, each year since, it was Elk Grove collecting the most boxes and winning the cup, which currently sits in the EGHS trophy case. The rivalry has been particularly intense among the principals of the two schools, Paul Kelly at EGHS and Megan Kelly at RMHS, who, outside their professional relationship, are also husband and wife. The rivalry has grown beyond the two schools to the communities of Elk Grove Village and Rolling Meadows, with mayors Craig Johnson of Elk Grove and Lara Sanoica of Rolling Meadows each supporting their respective schools this year.  At Tuesday’s (Oct. 8) Elk Grove Village Board meeting, 300 boxes of cereal were stacked in front of the village trustee dias in the village council chambers, and a bowl of Sugar Smacks was poured in bowls for each trustee and Mayor Johnson. Collection boxes are also set up in Elk Grove Village Hall outside the council chambers.  Besides Paul Kelly, one of the chief cheerleaders for the Cereal Bowl is Elk Grove Village trustee and EGHS social studies teacher Joe Bush.  Bush said he knows the Mustangs are looking to end their losing streak in the Cereal Bowl, so set the goal of EGHS collecting 2,000 boxes this year. He said he was confident EGHS supporters could collect 1,700. Johnson said he personally purchased 300 more to push EGHS over the top to reach the 2,000 box goal. “Earlier this year, the Rolling Meadows City Council resolved to fund two mobile food pantries every month to supplement the four township food pantries that serve Rolling Meadows and combat hunger in our community,” Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica said in an email to the Journal. “We know how to get the job done when we work together. Rolling Meadows residents are not only the most generous in the Northwest suburbs, but we won’t back down from a challenge. We will take this game ‘cereal-ously’ because grains and yards gained go hand in hand. See you on the field, Elk Grove!” Last year, Elk Grove Township officials said 2,827 boxes were collected by the two schools for the Cereal Bowl. The total number of boxes collected since 2016, with the exception of 2020 when the event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was 14,285 boxes. Credit: Tom Robb/Journal & Topics

“The township is reaching out to the community for donations earlier this year due to a significant increase in need,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. We are hoping to be able to provide every family with the means to enjoy a bright and joyful holiday season.” Thanksgiving Donation Drive: The township food pantry serves more than 1,000 families monthly and would like to ensure each township resident who utilizes the food pantry can also enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. To help with the rising cost of food, the township is hosting a virtual donation drive with a goal to reach $14,000 in monetary donations. Funds raised will be used to purchase a variety of Thanksgiving meal items. Donations can be made using the form included in the summer edition of the township newsletter, which will arrive in mailboxes this week or directly on the township website at elkgrovetownship.com/social-services/#holiday-program-assistance. Holiday Gift Drive: Support children in our community by giving local families a $50 gift card, per child, to a local retailer. These gift cards give parents the joy of purchasing gifts for their children and allowing children to receive gifts they request in their letters to Santa. Registration for this program will be available in the fall edition of the township newsletter, which is expected to arrive in mailboxes the week of Oct. 14. Older Adult Angel Tree: Beginning Nov. 1, “Angel Trees” will be displayed in the east and west lobbies of the township office building, 600 Landmeier Road, in Elk Grove Village. Low-income senior residents, 65 years of age and older, will be invited to place a gift wish in the shape of an ornament on the tree, which will then be granted by a generous community member. Residents are invited to visit the township after Nov. 1, Monday — Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., to take an ornament with a senior’s designated gift wish and make their holiday merrier and brighter! For information, visit elkgrovetownship.com or view the summer edition of the township newsletter at loom.ly/sYWz4Zo.

The #StampOutHunger Food Drive, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, is now recognized as the largest one-day food drive in the nation. Residents were encouraged to leave a bag of requested items — dried goods, canned goods, and other nonperishable food — by their mailbox, and their letter carrier did the rest. This initiative resulted in a remarkable 6,185 pounds of food being collected and donated to the food pantry. The Community Character Coalition (CCC) of Elk Grove hosted another successful food drive on May 18, focusing on essential items like broth, peanut butter, jams/jellies and canned chicken. This event is one of two annual food drives organized by the CCC, with all proceeds going directly to the township’s food pantry. Additionally, Dr. Brian Homann, DDS, offered a $1,000 match for any monetary donations collected during the drive. Thanks to the community’s enthusiastic participation, a total of 1,112 pounds of food was collected and donated. “The township is deeply grateful to area residents and organizations who have been steadfast supporters of the food pantry, given the increasing needs in our community,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “The needs of our community continue to grow and we are proud of the community support that allows us to meet those needs.” As the gardening season is in full swing, the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry is calling on all local gardeners with an excess of fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is highly coveted by families who rely on the food pantry, and donations are greatly appreciated. Gardeners who find themselves with more produce than they can consume or distribute are encouraged to donate their surplus. With numerous families in need, nothing will go to waste! The township accepts donations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. They also accept packages from Amazon, FedEx or USPS. To receive a thank-you letter, include your name and address in the package. For individuals or groups who would like to make larger donations, the township can schedule a pickup time for their convenience. Monetary donations are also welcome and accepted to fill the gap between what is donated and higher demand items. Checks can be made payable to: “Elk Grove Township Food Pantry” and dropped off/mailed to the township offices, 600 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois, 60007.

If you’re not familiar with the township bus service, here’s what you need to know: 1. The township bus service for senior and disabled residents — age 55 and older for seniors; 18 and older for the disabled — offers three lift-equipped buses to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, canes, shopping carts, etc.2. Rides within the township are free for registered residents and provide curb-to-curb service. 3. Reservations will be accepted up to two week prior to a scheduled appointment and services hours for the bus are Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments must be scheduled to start between 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with all appointments finished by 3 p.m. The Township Riders Initiative Program (TRIP), in partnership with PACE, was created for residents 60 years of age and older who need to travel outside of the township for medical appointments. This is a shared program between the townships of Elk Grove, Hanover, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Wheeling, although locations of travel are limited. The TRIP service area includes: Barrington, Palatine, Hanover, Schaumburg, Maine, and Wheeling Townships, along with some Veterans Affairs facilities and hospitals in downtown Chicago. Here’s what you need to know about TRIP: 1. The cost for this program is $5 for each township border crossed, with a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $10 each way.2. One caregiver or service animal is allowed to accompany the rider, at no additional charge. 3. Reservations are required at least three days prior to the appointment date, but no more then seven days ahead of time. Service hours for the TRIP program are Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. “As we commemorate this milestone anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to this invaluable service,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “Here’s to another 50 years of enhancing the lives of our residents and connecting communities through our Transportation Department!” To use either of these transportation services, individuals must be residents of Elk Grove Township, provide a copy of their state ID or driver’s license, and fill out the application form found at elkgrovetownship.com/senior-disabled-transportation/. If you or someone you know is choosing to age in place at home, consider the Elk Grove Township Transportation Department. To make an appointment for the township buses or TRIP Program, please call (224) 265-6115.

The annual fundraiser was sponsored by more than 20 local businesses. Another 30 businesses and individuals donated items for a raffle and silent auction. Over $8,000 was raised to support CEF’s mission. “The purpose of the fundraiser was not only to raise funds to assist the township in providing residents with critical aid, but it was also meant to raise awareness about this final safety net resource,” said CEF board member Corey Dewey. “The township is normally the last safeguard for residents struggling with basic needs. However, even a safety net can sometimes need a safety net and that’s what CEF provides.” Dewey cited several examples of times when the CEF board allocated funds to help meet a resident with an essential need. These were situations where the township and other government agencies could not provide help either because the family had exhausted their benefits, or their special needs did not qualify for assistance. She noted that funds have been allocated by the CEF to help a family who had lost their home in a fire to obtain temporary housing, to buy a water heater for a low-income veteran who had been without hot water for more than six months, and to restore cellphone service for a handicapped individual who was dependent on his phone for telehealth therapy. The distribution of funds is overseen by the organization’s board of directors which consists of four residents and three township representatives. Board member Kevin Kinsella noted that CEF is dependent on businesses and individuals for funding. “We receive no government funds and are reliant on support from the community. I think it is important that we stand up together to catch our neighbors who are falling through the social service cracks and give them a chance to get back on their feet.” Individuals who would like to know more about CEF can call Corey Dewey at (224) 222-0944. Donations can be made payable to “Community Empowerment Fund” and mailed or dropped off at Elk Grove Township, 600 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. The mission of Elk Grove Township is to carry out the duties and responsibilities of township government as prescribed by Illinois law. The ways in which these goals are accomplished is by providing for the health, safety and welfare of all township residents, and to maintain the highways and property of the township both professionally and economically. Additionally, this mission is to be carried out in a timely and efficient manner with the highest degree of service to the taxpayers, thereby continuing the tradition of service provided by the township. The boundaries of Elk Grove Township are Central Road on the north; Mount Prospect Road on the east; Devon Avenue on the south; and Rohlwing Road (generally Route 53) on the west. About 66% of Elk Grove Village is in the township; 55% of Mount Prospect; 20% of Des Plaines; 15% of Arlington Heights and 10% of Rolling Meadows. About one-fourth of the geographic area of the township is unincorporated, a large portion of which is forest preserve. For information, visit ElkGroveTownship.com or call (847)-437-0300.