NAPERVILLE – In conjunction with State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and Wheatland Township, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is hosting a “Be the Match” donor drive.

Be the Match is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding stem cell and bone marrow matches for people in need of a transplant. For patients diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening diseases, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be their best or only hope for a cure. However, 70% of patients who need a transplant to do not have a fully matched donor in their family. They depend on organizations like Be the Match to be matched with someone who can provide a lifesaving donation.

“There are so many people across the state and even right here in our community that are waiting for a bone marrow or stem cell match,” Ellman said. “You might be the match that someone has been waiting for—your participation has the power to save lives.”

The donor drive will be held on Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wheatland Township Offices, 4232 Tower Court in Naperville. Community members between the ages of 18 and 40 are invited to participate and join the registry of lifesaving donors.

People wanting to join the registry simply undergo a cheek swab, which is then sent to Be the Match to be processed and potentially matched with people in need of a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant. According to Be the Match, there is a one in 430 chance that any given donor will be called to donate, and nearly 75% of donations are as easy as giving blood. Joining the registry is commitment free, as donors are able to opt out at any point during the process.

"Joining the bone marrow donor registry is easy - just a swab of your cheek - but so important,” said Michael Crowner, Wheatland Township Supervisor. “A match could actually save a life."

Community members who are unable to attend the drive in person are encouraged to order a swab kit through Be the Match’s website, or by texting “WheatlandCares” to 61474.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging local small businesses to take advantage of Back to Business grants by submitting applications before the Oct. 13 deadline.

Ellman and the General Assembly allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will continue to award grants on a rolling basis.

“Our small businesses are the heart of our communities,” Ellman said. “Even in the face of unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, they kept their doors open and provided necessary services. Now it’s their turn to receive much-deserved help.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply by visiting the DCEO website. To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. DCEO will continue to accept applications for B2B grants through Oct. 13, 2021.

“Some businesses in the area bouncing back already thanks to the first round of grants,” Ellman said. “I hope to see more local business owners take advantage of this great program.”

Ellman encourages residents to reach out to her office at 630-601-9961 or SenatorLauraEllman.com with questions or concerns.

NAPERVILLE – State Senators Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) are partnering with Metropolitan Family Services DuPage to hold a #LovePurse donation drive for survivors of domestic violence and other local women in need.

“For many women, a new purse full of care items is a symbol of a fresh start,” Ellman said. “By giving them what they might need, we are telling women who are struggling, ‘You matter, you are cared for, and you are worthy.’”

The #LovePurse initiative collects new purses that are filled with personal care items, toiletries, menstrual products, and notes of encouragement to distribute to women in need and survivors of domestic violence. Residents are invited to purchase a purse and fill it with dental care supplies, shampoo and conditioner, skincare items, and more, and take it to a local designated drop-off. A full list of suggested supplies can be found on the organization’s website.

“When women fall on tough times, there are numerous challenges they may need to overcome,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Offering support to our neighbors by donating purses filled with love can help build a stronger, more cohesive community.”

Purses and other donations can be dropped off at several locations from Oct. 12 to Nov. 12:

• Lisle Public Library, 777 Front Street, Lisle
• Naperville Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville
• Wheaton Public Library, 225 N Cross Street, Wheaton
• Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn
• Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst
• Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E Maple Street, Hinsdale (Oct. 12 – Oct. 26)
• Senator Glowiak Hilton’s District Office, 17W715 E. Butterfield Road, Suite F, Oakbrook Terrace

More information about #LovePurse can be found on their website.

NAPERVILLE – The Naperville Heritage Society will receive $765,000 in state funding to expand the Naper Settlement Museum, a critical investment that will create jobs and advance economic development and tourism in the area, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) announced.

“Naper Settlement has been providing fun and educational experiences for over 50 years,” Ellman said. “It has attracted tourism and economic activity to our community, and I’m thrilled to know this funding will preserve such a phenomenal piece of our local history.”

The Naper Heritage Society will use the funding to construct a new visitor center and exhibition at the Naper Settlement Museum, offering new experiences and encouraging visits from tourists and locals alike.

The Naper Heritage Society is one of just 11 recipients across the state selected to receive funding through the Rebuild Illinois Regional Economic Development program, a component of the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program aimed at creating jobs, boosting investment in underserved communities and fostering lasting economic growth.

“The investment into the New Visitor Center and Exhibition at Naper Settlement Museum will not only provide a boost for tourism in Naperville but also allow for local residents of our community to come together and interact with each other, while learning about the great history of Naperville,” State Representative Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) said. “The Rebuild Illinois capital grants are providing much needed funding for this project, and I couldn’t be more excited for the new developments to the Naper Settlement Museum.”

A total of $16.5 million has been awarded through the RIRED program. More information about the RIRED program and other state grant programs is available at Illinois.gov/DCEO.