How you can help Illinois tornado victims
Moved by the widespread damage in central Illinois caused by a series of tornadoes on Sunday, suburban groups, local governments, businesses and individuals are mobilizing to help victims by collecting donations of cleaning supplies, clothing and other needed items.
What follows is a list of the efforts that are under way.
Ÿ Batavia Park District is collecting donations for victims in Washington. Its Facebook page says these items are needed: Blankets, bottled water, personal hygiene supplies, plastic totes, kitty litter, coats, hats, scarves and small stuffed animals. It said the Red Cross is asking that clothing not be donated, except for coats. Items can be dropped off at district offices, 327 W. Wilson St. through 5 p.m. Friday. The items will be delivered this weekend. Call (630) 969-5235.
Ÿ Cafe N Play, 1767 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville, is a donation site for the Toys for Tazewell County Tornado Victims drive until Friday, Dec. 6. New and gently used toys for children of all ages will be accepted to benefit children in the Washington, East Peoria and Pekin area. Call (630) 697-8371.
Ÿ The Chicago Bears and Bears Care are partnering with the American Red Cross, Greater Chicago Region, to help tornado victims. Bears Care is conducting an online auction of game-worn and game-used equipment from the Bears overtime win against the Baltimore Ravens and accepting donations online at www.chicagobears.com/tornadorelief. All donations and auction proceeds will be matched up to $100,000.
Ÿ The Chicago Wolves will collect supplies at their home game Saturday, Nov. 23, and donate ticket revenue from three remaining home games in November. Fans can donate cleaning supplies, flashlights, batteries and toiletries when they enter Allstate Arena for the 7 p.m. game against the Grand Rapids Griffins. The items will be delivered to the Salvation Army to support people in the affected towns. Also, a portion of tickets purchased for games Nov. 23, 27 and 29 will be donated to Salvation Army. Visit ticketmaster.com and type RELIEF into the offer code box when purchasing tickets. The team will match all money raised in this manner.
Ÿ The Naperville Municipal Center foyer will accept donations for tornado victims in Washington until Wednesday, Nov. 27. Items including water bottles, flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food that’s ready to eat without electricity, toiletries, gas cards, restaurant gift cards and coats or other clean, gently used clothing can be dropped off at 400 S. Eagle St. Call (630) 420-6111 or email lafeberp@naperville.il.us.
Ÿ North Aurora residents are conducting a supply drive for items including plastic bins, household cleaning supplies and personal toiletries. Items can be dropped off 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at police department, 200 S. Lincolnway (Route 31), and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Fox Valley Physician Services, 23 N. Lincolnway. The collection ends at 5 p.m. Friday for delivery this weekend. Contact Chris Faber at (630) 551-8683 or chris@christopherfaber.com.
Ÿ Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., in downtown Aurora, is accepting donations in its lobby. Until 6 p.m., there is 15-minute parking in front of the theater. Collection hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call (630) 896-6666.
Ÿ A Round Lake Beach family is collecting items for victims in Coal City. Cleaning supplies, garbage bags, towels, gloves, bottled water, nonperishable food, batteries, diapers, cameras and sanitary products can be dropped off at the Donahue home, 298 Eagle Creek Drive, until Friday night, Nov. 22. Marcia Donohue and Dan Leuze will drive to Coal City this weekend and deliver the items to the mall where collections are being accepted. Email Marcia at smiles6074@yahoo.com with questions.
Ÿ Wauconda residents are collecting goods for victims in downstate Washington. Items can be dropped off at Boehmer Automotive, 416 W. Liberty St., between 5 and 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Ÿ West Chicago Fire Protection District’s Fire Station 6, 200 Fremont St., is accepting donations for tornado relief. Needed items are: winter clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves; toiletries; nonperishable food items; and bottled water. Items will be delivered by fire district members. Bring donations to the fire station by 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22. Visit www.wegofpd.org.