Chicago – To help boost supplies at local food pantries during the holiday season, State Sen. Bill Cunningham and State Rep. Fran Hurley are launching a food drive at their local offices. From Nov. 1  to Dec. 1, community members are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at the offices listed below.

 Chicago                                                                  Orland Hills                                                      Worth Township
10400 S. Western Ave., Chicago          16033 S. 94^th Ave., Orland Hills         11601 S. Pulaski Rd., Alsip
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.                                           10 a.m. – 2 p.m.                                             9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“For many struggling families, the holidays are the most difficult time of the year,” Cunningham said. “I hope we can all put aside a little to help those families in need. Any size donation is welcome and can help make a substantial difference.”

All donations will be given to local food pantries in Chicago, Orland Hills, and Worth. Last year, a similar food drive by then-State Rep. Cunningham raised nearly 300 pounds of food for local pantries. Unfortunately monetary donations cannot be accepted, but gift cards are welcome.

Senator Bill Cunningham took part in an Illinois education tradition this week, serving as "Principal for the Day" at Sandburg High School in Chicago's District 230. The Illinois Principals Association invites lawmakers to step into the shoes of a principal in their district to honor the work and commitment of school leaders, educators and students.

Senator Cunningham wants to share information for constituents in the 18th District. His colleague in the Illinois House, State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford, distributes routine updates about grants that are available to state and local governments and community agencies and Sen. Cunningham is pleased to pass this on to more potential candidates.

Examples include grants for education, health, disabilities, cultural heritage, rural development and many other programs. Because grants have application deadlines, Sen. Cunningham recommends interested parties take advantage of the time needed to apply for grants by subscribing to a weekly update provided by the Illinois Legislative Research Unit.

 The Legislative Research Unit is the chief general research agency for the Illinois General Assembly. LRU provides nonpartisan, objective, documented, and timely information. They are authorized to do research only for members of the General Assembly or their staffs. However, several major publications are available to the public.

Click here to subscribe to a weekly update on available grants.

CHICAGO – To encourage civic service, assist community members and promote physical fitness, state Rep. Fran Hurley is partnering with state Sen. Bill Cunningham to host a Community Bike Drive for local residents to donate used bicycles.

“Donating a used bike provides a wonderful gift to someone while helping the community,” Hurley said. “We think this is a great way to assist local residents, encourage charity and get more people riding bikes. Sen. Cunningham and I are excited to be providing this service to the district.”
 
The bike drive will take place Aug. 15 through Sept. 15. All donations can be dropped off at the Mount Greenwood Community Business Association at 3330 W. 111th St. in Chicago, behind La Fiesta restaurant. Owned by local resident John DeBold, Park Schwinn at 3333 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park will be fixing up old bikes and donating them to less fortunate children.