The holiday season is finally here! I’m so glad we can safely be together with our loved ones this holiday season.
Before you partake in any holiday festivities, please make sure to follow local guidelines and get your COVID vaccine boosters. Keeping ourselves and our communities safe and healthy is the best way to spread holiday cheer!
One of the many reasons I love the holidays is because it gives us a chance to give back. This December is full of opportunities to show your neighbors how much you care and support those in need. I hope you’ll join me in contributing to some of these great causes.
Lakeview Pantry is partnering with The Vincent Babiarz Memorial Annual Toy Drive this year. Kids in the area will be able to receive a delightful holiday meal along with a gift. You can support the drive by bringing a toy to Murphy’s Bleachers on Friday, December 3rd from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. You can also drop off or mail toys to Lakeview Pantry (1716 W Hubbard St) Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Toy donations will be accepted through Dec. 3rd. You can also drop off toys at a local partner below:
Building Blocks, 3306 N Lincoln Ave.
Gman Tavern, 3740 N Clark St.
Office of State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, 3223 N Sheffield Ave. Suite A
The 18th District Community Policing Department is hosting a Holiday Toy and New Coat Drive! They will be accepting new hats, gloves, socks, undergarments, and school supplies.
All donations will be accepted at the 18th District Lobby (1160 N Larrabee). The drive ends December 10th.
The North Dearborn Association is hosting Joy of Toys on December 4th! This year, you can drop off toys at Mario’s (21 W. Goethe) from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Gifts are recommended for children ages 3-11 years old. Further details regarding appropriate toy donations and information on how to donate to the North Dearborn Association to support Joy of Toys can be found here.
Past Events
Lincoln Yards Construction Site Visit
I had the opportunity to tour the beginning construction of Lincoln Yards earlier this month. This 53-acre mixed-use development will provide over 23,000 permanent jobs and 10,000 construction jobs.
Lincoln Yards will also improve transportation accessibility (the 606/Metra/water taxi), create affordable housing, focus on expanding minority and women-led businesses, and provide open space for play and relaxation.
Wrigleyville’s Sunnyside Grand Opening
We welcomed Cresco Labs’ new, expanded Sunnyside Dispensary. This new facility, just steps from Wrigley Field, will bring more jobs to the 12th district and revenue to the state of Illinois.
Small Business Shoutout
Every month we highlight one small business from our district. For December, we are proud to feature one of the cutest gift shops in IL-12, just in time for the gift giving season: Inkling!
“Inside Inkling, you’ll find a collection of lovely curiosities, ranging from quirky gifts to super cute greeting cards. We’re a gift shop filled with things that’ll make you laugh, with beautiful, well-designed, purpose-filled products.”
If you have a favorite store, restaurant, or other business in the district, let us know at info@repcroke.com and you might see it in a future Small Business Shoutout!
Wishing you a safe and healthy Thanksgiving,
