Palatine Jaycees distribute community donations

The Palatine Jaycees are distributing checks to 15 organizations as part of their Community Donations program, where they distribute the profits from the projects that are conducted during the previous fiscal year.

During the 2013 fiscal year, which runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, the Palatine Jaycees accumulated $16,000 that was distributed throughout the community.

"This is the reason I became a Jaycee," said Chrissy Trilling-Raices, co-chairwoman of Major Community Donations. "When I see how we've helped the community, I realize that all of the hard work we do throughout the year is worthwhile."

This year the $16,000 in donations was split between 15 different organizations which serve the Palatine community that had contacted the Jaycees requesting assistance according to Cheri Trombino, co-chairwoman of the program. The donations ranged from $450 to $2,500. The donation amount was determined by the Community Donations committee based on the need exhibited in the request and the impact that the donation would have on the community.

The groups that the Palatine Jaycees donated to this year are: Little Sisters of the Poor-St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly, Shelter, Inc., OMNI Youth Services, Center for Enriched Living, Children's Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County, ChildServ, Palatine Assisting Through Hope (PATH), Countryside Association for People with Disabilities, Escorted Transportation Services Northwest, Northeast Palatine Summer Camp, Palatine Opportunity Center-Roots Community Garden, The Bridge Youth and Family Services, Palatine Emergency Management Agency, Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, District 15 Education Foundation and Children's Home and Society of Illinois.

The chapter conducts over 50 projects per year ranging from large projects such as Christmas tree sales and the Fourth of July celebration to small ones like the Easter egg hunt. At the end of the fiscal year, all of the profits, less chapter expenses, are funneled back into the community.

The Palatine Jaycees provide development opportunities that empower young people between the age of 21 and 40 to create positive change. As one of Palatine's foremost organizations for young people, the Palatine Jaycees have provided community-based events and funding to Palatine for more than 50 years. As one of the largest chapters in the state of Illinois, the Palatine Jaycees offer a combination of community service, individual development and social opportunities.

The Palatine Chapter holds its monthly general meeting at 7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, at the American Legion Hall on Palatine Road in Palatine. For further information on the Palatine Jaycees, membership or any of their sponsored events, call (847) 604-0288, email info@palatinejaycees.org or visit palatinejaycees.org.