Make a difference in lake Co.
Hundreds of local volunteers will join millions nationwide for service projects on Saturday, Oct. 25, the 18th Make A Difference Day.
The day is the largest community service effort in the nation, rallying corporations, government leaders, charitable organizations and everyday Americans into action on one day. Past events have attracted 3 million volunteers, and an estimated 28 million people in need benefited.
The College of Lake County will supply hundreds of volunteers, including staff, students and faculty who will take on a variety of tasks benefiting eight different Lake County agencies. A kickoff breakfast will be held from 8 to 8:30 a.m. in the Learning Resource Center/Library Atrium at the Grayslake campus.
"Since we are a community college, participating in Make A Difference Day is an excellent way to stay involved in the community," said Sylvia Johnson, director of career and placement services. "CLC volunteers have participated in this worthwhile event for more than 12 years."
The crews will work at the following sites:
Northern Illinois Food Bank, Park City:
Volunteers will organize pantry shelves. The NIFB is the largest supplier of meat to soup kitchens and food pantries. Time: 9 a.m. to noon.
Prairie Crossing Learning Farm, Grayslake:
Volunteers will take cuttings of curly willows to root for a plant sale, weed the herb garden and divide raspberries and herbs to root for a plant sale. Time: 9 a.m. to noon.
Waukegan Park District, Waukegan:
Volunteers will assist with Waukegan Park District's annual Halloweenfest as game booth assistants, non-scary characters for the preschool-aged Enchanted Walk and Haunted Trails helpers for youth-adult visitors. Time: three-hour shifts from 2:15-8:30 p.m.
Community Action Partnerships/Hervey Homes, 1501 Hervey St., North Chicago:
Students and instructors from CLC's Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning program will conduct free furnace inspections and cleanings for low-income homeowners.
Adopt A Highway, Gurnee:
Volunteers will clean a section of the highway on O'Plaine Road.
Staben Center, Waukegan Township:
Volunteers will help organize and distribute donated baby items. This center is a transitional housing unit for homeless men. Time: 9 a.m. to noon.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Gurnee:
Volunteers will help organize donated building and household goods for resale to fund Habitat projects.
Christian Outreach For Lutherans, Waukegan:
Volunteers will help organize C.O.O.L. storage of donated goods to distribute to people in need. Time: 9 a.m. to noon.
Other area events include:
Citizens for Conservation, Barrington:
People of all ages will get together to gather seed from this year's bumper crop of native plants. The seed will be sorted and donated to several restoration and conservation fields in the area. Refreshments will be enjoyed together following the field work. Project will take place at 459 W. Route 22. Call (847) 382-7283 or visit citizensforconservation.org
Pritchett Elementary School, Buffalo Grove:
Pritchett School in Buffalo Grove will be open for all District 102 residents to come make craft projects and write letters to the residents of Little Angels, a loving home for individuals with severe disabilities and complex medical needs in a neighboring community. There will also be a collection of personal care items, and a used book sale, bake sale and raffle that will raise funds for Little Angels. Some of the residents of Little Angels will be at the event. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The school is located at 200 Horatio Blvd. Call (847) 353-5723 for more information.