Winter outerwear drive benefits Community Crisis Center
Elgin Fire Department collected more than 2,140 clothing items for adults in need during its 10th annual winter outerwear drive for the Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center.
The drive was held during the 2024 holiday season. Due to a surplus of children’s coats at the Community Crisis Center, children’s outerwear items were not collected this year, according to a news release.
As a result of the campaign, the department received 552 donated coats, 659 pairs of gloves, 554 hats and 375 scarves. Snow pants and shoes also were collected and distributed, according to information found on the city of Elgin website.
Elgin’s seven fire stations served as collection points, as did some local businesses, including the Sarah Leonard Team real estate agency, which helped deliver clothing to the center.
Elgin seeks applicants for Senior Citizens Police Academy
Applications are being accepted for the Senior Citizens Police Academy, which will be held the first Thursday of every month from March through October at Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Ave.
Classes will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and are open to Elgin residents 60 and older, a news release said. The “informative presentations and practical experiences” offered will cover such topics as arrests, traffic stops, SWAT, special investigations and drug unit operations, the release said.
To apply or for more information, contact Officer Chad Benavidez at 847-764-5414 or email benavidez_c@cityofelgin.org.
Blood drive being held in memory of Golfview student
A blood drive in memory of Ethan Beltran will be held from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in the gym at Golfview Elementary School, 124 Golfview Lane, Carpentersville.
Beltran had leukemia and died Jan. 16, 2024, just a few weeks before his 9th birthday, according to his online obituary.
Those who donate will receive a coupon for a free pint of custard from Culver’s, according to a social media post for the event. To register for an appointment, go to donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11599397.
Cinderella’s Closest, which gives high school students in need access to prom dresses, jewelry, purses, shoes and makeup, will be open March 1 and 2 at the YWCA Elgin. (Courier-News file photo)
Cinderella’s Closet to be open at YWCA Elgin March 1 and 2
With prom season coming soon, students can shop for dresses and accessories at Cinderella’s Closest Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2, at the YWCA Elgin, 220 E. Chicago St., Elgin.
The formal-wear boutique, sponsored by Claire’s, gives high school students access to dresses, jewelry, purses, shoes and makeup for a $30 donation or at no charge with a referral from their high school guidance counselor, according to the YWCA Elgin website.
Shop hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The event is run by volunteers and relies on donations to operate. Students are assisted by personal shoppers to help them make selections, the site said.
Appointments are required. To make one or to volunteer, go to www.ywcaelgin.org/cinderellas-closet. For more information, email Sherry Kinser at kinserton@yahoo.com.
D301 school board candidate forum to be held Thursday
The Leagues of Women Voters for Central Kane County and the Elgin area are co-hosting a forum for District 301 School Board candidates from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Burlington Central High School.
Doors will open at the 44W625 Plato Road school at 5:30 p.m., according to a news release. In addition to be presented live, the event will be live-streamed and available for later viewing at lwvckcil.com, lwvelginarea.org and illinoisvoterguide.org.
The candidates running to serve four-year board terms are Marc Falk, Dornetria Hemphill, Graciela Martinez, Roumiana Mc Mahon, Scott Mrkvicka, PK Parekh, Ryan Wasson and Micheline Welch.
There are also two candidates running to serve an unexpired 2-year term — Junaid “J” Afeef and Andrew Dogan.
Each candidate will give an opening and a closing statement before being asked questions submitted in writing by audience members. The election will be held April 1.
