🧥🍂 Donate to our Coat Drive!
Dear Neighbor,
As another Chicago winter is on the horizon, my office is preparing by kicking off our annual Coat Drive! This year, we are partnering with Alderman Anthony Quezada’s office, community organizations, and small businesses to collect winter clothing to distribute to our neighbors in need.
We’re accepting donations of new or gently used winter gear from Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 30.
Items we’re collecting include:
🧥 Coats
🥾 Boots
🧣 Scarves
🧢 Hats
🧤 Gloves and Mittens
You can drop off donations at any of the following locations with marked donation boxes:
My district office, 3001 N Central Park Ave.
Ald. Quezada’s office, 2934 N Milwaukee Ave. Unit C
Brew Brew, 3832 W Diversey Ave.
Sip of Hope, 3039 W Fullerton Ave.
Necessary and Sufficient Coffee, 3624 W Wrightwood Ave.
The Brewed, 2843 N Milwaukee Ave.
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact our office at (773) 853-2570. Thank you for your ongoing generosity and support!
All my best,
Will
LIHEAP
The LIHEAP application period is from October 1, 2026, to August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted.
Beginning October 1, 2026, adults aged 60 and older, individuals with a disability, households with at least one child age 5 years and under, households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnect date within 7 days or have less than 25% in their propane tank are able to apply. On November 1, 2026, all other income eligible households can start applying for LIHEAP assistance.
Learn more about the program, how to apply, and eligibility requirements here.
Fall Family Health Fair
My office is partnering with State Sen. Graciela Guzman, Alderman Anthony Quezada, the Kosciuszko Park Advisory Council, and Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez for our annual Fall Family Health Fair. This year’s fair will be on Saturday, October 17, from 10am to 1pm at Kosciuszko Park, 2732 N Avers Ave. It's a great chance to get a free flu shot, free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, free dental checks for kids, and much more.
Our health fair will offer a variety of free health services and resources to the community, including:
Flu shots for all ages at no cost*
COVID vaccines with insurance*
Free dental health exams and cleanings for kids
Free blood pressure and glucose screenings
Free HIV and STI screenings
Information on healthcare open enrollment
We’ll also have free family-friendly activities offered at the park, including:
Free hot cocoa and coffee*
Free kids’ haircuts
Rain barrel raffle
And more!
*While supplies last, given out on a first come, first serve basis!
Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program
The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program has officially re-opened. The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides emergency rental assistance to tenants and landlords across Illinois who have pending cases) in eviction court. Eligible applicants may qualify for up to $10,000 that can be applied to past due rent, up to $700 for court costs, and up to two months' future rent to prevent housing displacement. You can learn more and apply here: illinoishousinghelp.org/cbrap.
Shred-a-thon
My office is partnering with Alderman Anthony Quezada, Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez, and State Sen. Graciela Guzman for a free Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding Event!
Join us on Saturday, October 10 from 9am to 12pm (or until trucks reach capacity) at NEIU El Centro, 3390 N Avondale Ave. to safely dispose of sensitive paper documents and electronics.
Fall Community Resource Fair
LoSAH Center of Hope is hosting a Community Resource Fair on Thursday, October 15 from 4pm-7:30pm at 3555 W Armitage Ave. Learn about resources in the community like public benefits, food access, housing, parent support, and more! There will be music, a raffle, and free children's books.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline is here to support anyone affected by domestic violence. Contact the Hotline via call or text at 877-863-6338 for free, confidential support 24/7. Check out DVAM events with The Network: tinyurl.com/NETWORKDVAM2026. Our community stands in solidarity with survivors, always.
Doing Business with the Park District Info Sessions
The Purchasing Department of the Chicago Park District (CPD) is hosting a series of Informational Sessions on Doing Business with the Park District. Representatives from Park District departments will be present to speak on items including contracting opportunities regarding Planning & Construction, Facility Management, and NaturalResources.
Event Details:
Wednesday, October 21
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60649
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Register here, as space is limited.