Lea Conrad speaks to Elgin Lions Club

Lea Conrad of the Community Crisis Center will speak to the Elgin Lions Club at their monthly meeting at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the American Legion Hall, 820 N. Liberty St. in Elgin. Conrad, who holds a master's degree in art therapy, is a licensed professional counselor and certified domestic violence professional.

Conrad has worked at the Crisis Center in Elgin since 2001. She began as a sexual assault counselor, and in 2007, she became the coordinator of the children's program. She works with non-offending parents and children who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence, experienced abuse and/or homelessness.

Conrad is current chairwoman of the 16th Judicial District Family Violence Coordinating Counseling Child and Youth Safety Committee.

The dinner meeting is open to the public. Those interested in hearing Conrad's presentation should leave a message at (847) 289-4206 indicating your planned attendance. There will be a modest charge for the meal. Advance notification of attendance is necessary to provide adequate seating and meals.

Elgin Lions Club members will be seen collecting donations for the annual Lions Candy Day this month. The proceeds go primarily to aid the visually handicapped in the community, the nation and the world. The club takes to heart Helen Keller's challenge that Lions become the "Knights of the Blind."

In addition to their other charitable work, the Elgin Lions Club is conducting a food collection drive in cooperation with the elementary schools in Elgin Area School District U-46. Last year was the best so far for the annual drive, and event chairman Ed Bates has a goal of 10,000 items of food to be collected and distributed to those in need.

They are always looking for new members to assist in the philanthropic efforts of the club, which has been serving the Elgin area since 1921. Anyone interested should call and leave a message indicating your interest and contact information.