Dear Friend:
It’s hard to believe we are about to close 2019, and I just wanted to take a moment to let all of you know what an honor it has been to be your state Representative. It’s been an extraordinary year with so much accomplished and so much more to do in the legislative session ahead. As we all prepare to celebrate the holidays with family and loved ones, I want to encourage everyone to take this opportunity to look in on our neighbors and check in with friends to ensure everyone enjoys a healthy and happy season.
In observance of the upcoming holidays, our office at 1812 Waukegan Road will be closed December 23 – January 4, however, if you need assistance, my staff and I will be checking emails and phone messages regularly.
Warmest Wishes for a peaceful, joyful, holiday season!
Jennifer
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Warming Centers
Municipalities and townships across Cook County are opening warming centers for residents. Residents who do not have adequate heating in their homes are encouraged to visit a warming center to ensure they remain safe. Local libraries and Senior Centers also serve a warming shelters during normal operating hours.
Elk Grove
2400 S. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. M-F
Transport: No
Niles
5255 Lincoln Ave.
Skokie, IL
9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. M-F
Transport: No
Food Pantry Requests
Listed below you will find needs at each of the area township food pantries. We greatly appreciate your help in stocking their shelves!
New Trier Township Food Pantry
- Aluminum Foil, Plastic Wrap, and Baggies
- Canned Fruit
- Cookies, Crackers, Granola Bars, Nuts, Raisins and Other Healthy Snacks
- Juice and Juice Boxes
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Toothbrushes
- Paper Goods (Kleenex, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper)
- Canned Pasta
- Canned Meats (Tuna, Chicken, Salmon)
- Diapers (Smaller Sizes)
- Baking Goods (Muffins, Cake Mixes, Brownies)
- Cereal (Please No Cheerios as We Have Them in Excess)
- Coffee and Tea (Smaller Sizes)
- Dried Beans, Lentils
- Pancakes and Syrup
- Salt and Pepper, Spices and Herbs
Northfield Township Food Pantry
- Baby Food
- Baby Formula
- Diapers
- Toiletries
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Cleaning Supplies (laundry detergent, dish detergent, all-purpose cleaner, etc.)
- Boxed Cereal
- Coffee
- Tea
- Juice
- Hearty Soups (excludes tomato, vegetable, cream, broth, etc.)
- Plain Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Rice Mixes (Rice-a-Roni, Uncle Ben’s, Zatarin’s)
- Shelf-Stable Potatoes (Hungry Jack, Potato Buds, scalloped, au gratin, etc.)
- Jelly/Jam/Preserves
- Cooking Oil
- Oatmeal
- Pancake/Baking Mix
- Canned Meat (tuna, chicken, salmon)
- Dry Beans
- Canned Peas
- Canned Mixed Vegetables
- Canned Peaches
- Canned Pineapple
- Boxed Skillet Dinners (Hamburger Helper, etc.)
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Nuts
- Dried Fruit
- Granola bars
Niles Township Food Pantry
- Canned Fruit
- Bottled or Canned Juice
- Canned or Boxed Soups
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Pasta & Spaghetti Sauce
- Rice
- Tuna
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned or Dry Beans
- Powdered Milk
- Coffee
- Tea
- Paper Towels & Napkins
- Toilet Paper
- Razors – Men & Women, and Shaving Cream
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Mouthwash
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Baby Food
- Baby Formula
- Diapers & Wipes
- No – Tear Shampoo
- Baby Lotion
- Juice or Milk Boxes
- Cheerios
- Fruit Snacks
- Fruit Cups
- Pudding Cups
Looking for things to do?
- December 22-24, 26, & 29, 2019 – Chanukah Wonderland – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook, IL – Fee $12, $10 in advance
- December 22-24, 26, 29, 2019 – Nightly Menorah Lighting at Westfield Old Orchard – Cube Park – 3:00-5:15 pm
Westfield Old Orchard, 4999 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL – Fee: Free
- Open Daily, Chicago Botanic Gardens– 7:00am – Sunset, open Christmas day – free admission
Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 – Fee: Parking
Select Lightscape hours available – tickets required
- Open Daily – Morton Arboretum – 7:00 am – Sunset
Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532
Buildings, Children’s Garden, and Illumination are closed.
Holiday Illumination available – select dates
Zoo Lights
- November 29, 2019 – January 5, 2020 – Lincoln Park ZooLights
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL – Fee: Parking
- November 30 – December 31, 2019 – Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic – 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Holiday Magic begins at 4:00 pm
Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513 – Fee: Parking, tickets required.