COMMUNITY SERVICES

“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.

The services available at these events will include document shredding, renewal of driver’s licenses and license plate stickers, disposal of unwanted prescriptions, health screenings and more. All these events will be held at the Elk Grove Township Hall, 600 Landmeier Road, in Elk Grove Village. Make sure to mark your calendars for the following upcoming events: Shredding Event: 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 4. In partnership with the Elk Grove Village Lions Club, Elk Grove Township will host a free document shredding event Saturday, May 4 in the township’s east parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon. Please note there is a limit of two Banker’s boxes of documents per person, or until the truck is full. Community Services Day: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 23. A Community Services Day will take place at the Township Hall, and include several service providers. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office will collect and safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs, the Lions of Illinois Foundation will provide free hearing loss and retinal eye disease screenings, and Ascension Alexian Brothers will offer free blood pressure and cancer screenings, along with cancer education awareness. Additionally, the Illinois State Treasurer Mobile Unit will be on-site to help residents determine if they are the rightful owner of unclaimed funds. The state holds these funds until they are claimed by either the original owner or their heirs. The township’s Veterans Services officer and passport agents will also be available to share information about their services and to set up appointments. Finally, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison and a Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County representative will be available to share information and answer questions about Cook County services. No appointment is necessary to attend this event and walk-ins are welcome. Secretary of State Mobile DMV Unit: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 28. The Secretary of State Mobile DMV Unit will be at the Township Hall and will help residents obtain a REAL ID, renew, duplicate, or correct their driver’s license or state ID, renew license plate stickers, or register as a voter or organ donor. All of these services are by appointment only. To sign up, call (847) 437-0300. More information on these events will be in the township’s April newsletter, which will be arriving at homes the week of April 15. Information is also available on the township’s website at elkgrovetownship.com.

The most in-demand service has consistently been procuring passports. Elk Grove Township serves as a Passport Acceptance Facility assisting with the submission of passport applications and offering guidance on passport related inquiries. Also, passport photos can be obtained at the township for the nominal fee of $10, making the township a comprehensive one-stop destination for individuals with passport needs. Passport agents at the township speak English, Spanish and Polish. Any individual who does not have a valid passport can apply for a new one, while passport renewals are available for minors and adults whose passports have expired for five years or longer. Replacement passports are available only for those that have been stolen, lost or damaged. An appointment is required for all passport services and can be scheduled Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. by calling (847) 437-0300. The passport processing time by the U.S. Department of State can take up to eight weeks, but expedited service is also available for an additional charge. For general passport information, please visit travel.state.gov. There is also a high demand for fishing licenses, given the township’s proximity to Busse Lake. Illinois fishing licenses need to be renewed on an annual basis and are currently available at the township offices. Salmon, trout and habitat stamps are also available for an additional fee. Fishing licenses are not required for individuals under the age of 16, the disabled or active-duty military. Notary services and temporary handicap placards can also be obtained at the township. There is no charge for these services and no appointment is necessary. To qualify for a handicap placard, an individual must have signed documentation from the applicant’s physician verifying the need for a placard. The township can only issue temporary handicap placards for up to six months. To obtain a permanent placard a request must be submitted to the Illinois Secretary of State. More information can be found at ilsos.gov/services/persons_with_disabilities/disabilities.html. “We’re pleased that we are able to provide these services not only to our residents, but also to individuals without access to these resources who live outside of the township,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse.” Our assistance with passports is particularly of value. Our staff is very knowledgeable and can simplify what can often be a long, frustrating process.” For information on these and other township services, please contact the township at (847) 437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.

The Township also recently initiated a, “Senior Community Check In” service which provides a dedicated case manager that checks in via phone monthly with seniors enrolled in the program. The case manager can verify their wellbeing and determine if any assistance is needed. To get more information or to sign up for the program, call 224-265-6111. The Township is particularly proud of its transportation services that are available to residents who are 55 and older or living with a disability. Due to growing demand and increased safety considerations, the Township upgraded its fleet over the last two years with three new handicap accessible buses. Seniors and disabled individuals 18 years of age and older, can be picked up at their homes and taken to doctors’ appointments, the grocery store, salons, fitness centers, restaurants, and other locations within the Township’s borders. For seniors 60+ requiring transportation to healthcare appointments outside Township borders, transportation can be arranged through the Township/Pace Riders Initiative Program (TRIP). For other appointments or errands outside Township borders, residents can sign up for a Taxi Discount Card to get a $5 discount for each ride with a 303 Taxi for up to ten times per month. Residents interested in transportation services should call the new transportation number, 224-265-6115, for more information or to schedule a ride. In addition, seniors (and all residents living in the Township) can utilize the “Client Choice” food pantry, where they can select the food items they prefer, along with the Medical Closet that provides all types of needed medical equipment to be borrowed at no charge. “The Township is committed to helping our senior and disabled residents to become more independent and self-reliant through transportation, benefits assistance and other supportive services – all of which uphold our motto of, ‘Empowering People Through Community’,” said Supervisor George Busse. Busse encourages all residents to visit elkgrovetownship.com to get more information about the Township’s senior/disabled services, as well as the myriad of other services provided.

While the Township can assist with passport renewals for minors, they cannot assist with the renewal of adult passports. Adult passports that expired within the last five years must be renewed by mail, or on a limited basis, online. Adult passports that expired more than five years ago require a new passport application and as previously noted, the Township can assist with new passports. Those who would like to apply for a new or replacement passport must provide proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a photo ID (driver’s license or state ID card), and a passport photo taken within the last six months. The Township does not provide a passport photo service, but photos can be obtained from most businesses that have a photo department. The fee for passports is $130 for adults and $100 for minors. This fee can only be paid with a check or money order. There is also a $35 facility fee that can be paid with a credit card, cash or check. “We have experienced passport agents that can answer all of your questions and make the application process quick and easy for you,” said Assistant Township Administrator Izabela Manzo. “Our agents will let you know what is needed to apply, review your documentation and assist you in properly submitting your application.” The standard time for the U.S Department of State to process passports is currently 10-13 weeks and does not include shipping time. The Township suggests that those who apply allow up to two weeks for shipping. Expedited services for passport processing, as well as for expedited shipping, are available for additional costs. Residents can call the Township at 847-437-0300 for additional information or to schedule an appointment.

The Thanksgiving Basket program provides all the fixings for the traditional holiday meal to in-need families living in the Township. Donors can put together as many laundry baskets or boxes as they would like to donate and fill them with non-perishable food items. The list of items is provided to donors by Township staff members after their participation in the program is confirmed. A $25 gift card should also be included so that families can purchase turkey, ham, dairy or other perishable items to complete their holiday meal. Donors can also participate in Hope for the Holidays program that benefits low-income children or senior citizens. A $50 gift card is given to each individual sponsored by donors and enables recipients to purchase holiday gifts of their choice. “These programs provide an opportunity for generous community members to impact the holiday season experience for our neighbors in need,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “A Thanksgiving meal or a gift card may not seem like much, but it means a great deal to those who otherwise would not be able to afford these extras over the holidays.” The list of recipients for both programs has already been vetted by Township staff members to ensure they meet low income requirements.   To register as a donor, please visit elkgrovetownship.com​ and search under the ‘Social Services’ tab and click on either of the programs, or you can mail or drop off the registration form included in the most recent Elk Grove Township newsletter – which is mailed to all homes within the Township’s borders. The Township address is 600 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois, 60007. For any questions, please call the Township at 224-265-6111.