Help needy kids with school supply donations
Now that the calendar has turned to August, the school supply shopping is kicking into full drive for many.
There are several places up and down the Randall Road corridor that are working to help those who don't have the funds necessary to buy all of the school supplies they need.
For example, the Stride Rite store along Randall Road in Algonquin is collecting supplies for both teachers and students.
The individual student supplies will help those who can't afford all of the items on their lists.
The teacher supplies will help fill classrooms in need to help supplement when students are not able to bring in all of the necessary supplies.
The business is asking for pencils, cap erasers, construction paper, dry erase markers, highlighters, glue sticks, Crayola brand crayons and markers, paper towels, disinfecting wipes and spray, hole punches, kid-safe scissors and books for students in grades two through eight.
The supplies can be dropped off any time from now through Aug. 31 at the business at 1636 S. Randall Road in Algonquin Commons.
The Algonquin Commons mall office also has its own collection box, and is collecting similar items for schools and students in need in the area.
They can be dropped off at the mall office, which is located between Tilly's and Aeropostale in Algonquin Commons.
There is no appointment necessary to drop the items off. All you need to do is pick up a few extra supplies when you are out and about shopping, and drop them off at Stride Rite, the Algonquin Commons Mall office or even at any of the local school districts.
Several school districts are hosting their own collection drives if you cannot make it to Algonquin Commons.
District 300 held a Stuff the Bus event last month at Wal-Mart along Randall Road in Algonquin.
However, donations now are being taken in district offices at 2550 Harnish Drive, Algonquin.
The Kane County Advocacy Center also is hosting a school supply drive, with donations being accepted at the center at 427 Campbell St. in Geneva.
Book fair: Later this month the Barnes and Noble in Geneva Commons will be hosting a book fair to help raise funds for a local school district.
From noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, the business will have chalk art, story times and more fun. Of course, you also will be able to buy books at the book fair.
The event will benefit Yorkville School District 115.
Get your Pad Thai fix: A new Thai restaurant is open along the Randall Road corridor in Algonquin.
Last month, Ta Wan Thai opened at 1644 S. Randall Road.
The business is open for lunch and dinner, and offers authentic Thai food.
Patrons can dine in or get delivery or take out. The business also is offering lunch specials Monday through Friday, but is open seven days a week.
It replaces the former Aladdin's Mediterranean Grill.
The restaurant can be reached at (224) 241-8010.
Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.