Hoffman mayor lending hand for food drive

Hoffman Estates Village President Bill McLeod will be busy this week helping out at several local businesses in Hoffman Estates. At each of these local businesses, donations of nonperishable goods will be collected for the Hanover Township food pantry through the end of the year.

Mayor McLeod started his rounds on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Heroic Fitness, 2626 New Sutton Road, in the Poplar-Prairie Shopping Center. McLeod was on hand to serve healthy "Thinny Mint" and eggnog smoothies and to kick off a "Sleigh Bells Strength" fitness class.

"The holidays are most enjoyed with friends and family," said Heroic Fitness co-owner Mark Trapp. "Our Heroic Fitness community is one big family and we can't wait to open our doors to the mayor as well."

For those up early for breakfast on Friday, Dec. 19, McLeod will be pouring coffee between 8:30 and 10 a.m. at Apple Villa, 3101 Barrington Road. Starting at 6 p.m. this Friday night, McLeod will be trying his hand at pizza making at Garibaldi's, 2346 West Higgins Road.

"Holidays can be tough for a lot of people," said McLeod, "We're trying a few new things this year to encourage people to come out and socialize. Whether it's participating in a workout class, grabbing a take-out pizza or enjoying a cup of coffee, it comes down to how we connect as a community."

Food pantry donations will be accepted at Heroic Fitness through Wednesday, Dec. 31 and at Apple Villa and Garabaldi's from through Wednesday, Dec. 31. The village of Hoffman Estates welcomes donation of food pantry goods all yearlong at village hall, 1900 Hassell Road.