Throughout the month of November, Rep. Williams co-hosted a successful Toiletry Drive with Senate President John Cullerton and 43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith. The Drive was originally meant to solely benefit Lincoln Park Community Services (LPCS), but thanks to the generosity of those in the 11th District and a major donation from the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, the Drive expanded and was able to benefit a total of four shelters, food shelves and community service organizations. In total, the donations filled two U Haul vans and totaled many pounds of toiletry and household items.
Each of these organizations offer vital services to the 11th District and communities all around Chicago, providing countless individuals with the support during times of need. During the donation drop-off, Rep. Williams, Sen. Cullerton and Ald. Smith were able to spend some time with Jen Kouba, the Director of Community Engagement at LPCS, and learn about all that the organization has done for the Lincoln Park community. LPCS has been helping those on the Northside combat homelessness since 1985. Their mission is to bring communities together to empower individuals facing homelessness and poverty. As LPCS is primarily privately funded it has been and remains a truly community based organization.
The other organizations who benefitted from the Drive include Deborah’s Place, The Friendship Center and Ravenswood Community Services. Each of these unique organizations help to combat food and housing insecurity and offer a variety of other social services as well. All the elected officials extend a thank you to everyone who participated in the Drive and was able to help make it a major success.