NAPERVILLE – In recognition of sacrifices made by brave Illinoisans who have served our country, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is inviting people to write friendly and encouraging letters to residents of veterans’ homes ahead of Veterans Day.

“Our veterans have made sacrifices for our community and our nation that we will never be able to repay,” Ellman said. “However, by taking the time to reach out with kind messages and words of encouragement, we can make them feel recognized and appreciated.”

Operation Rising Spirit is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs that encourages communities to write letters to residents in the care of veterans’ homes in Illinois. At a time when isolation is at a record high, the letters are meant to extend friendly affirmation for the bravery and courage of veterans both throughout their service and the pandemic.

“Even just a short, personal message can go a long way toward combatting the loneliness and isolation felt by residents in veterans’ homes across our state,” Ellman said. “This is a great opportunity to tell our veterans, ‘we remember you, we appreciate you, and we are thankful for your service.’”

The campaign will focus on veterans’ homes in Illinois, located in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy. To send a message to a veteran or a veteran home, visit Send-a-note. For people wanting to send physical letters, locations for each of the veterans’ homes can be found here.

NAPERVILLE – Residents will have the opportunity to tour the Mobile Museum of Tolerance when it makes a stop in Naperville at the beginning of November.

State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) have teamed up to host the museum Nov. 1 - 3 at the 95^th Street Library, located at 3015 Cedar Glade Drive in Naperville. The museum will be open to the public noon to 6 p.m. all three days.

“The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is a fantastic resource, and I’m thrilled to host it in our community,” Ellman said. “The lesson of how important it is to stand up to hate and protect our fellow humans is timeless, and the MMOT has been tireless in its effort to bring that lesson to communities across the state.”

The MMOT is an educational initiative through the Simon Wiesenthal Center, named for Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal. Wiesenthal dedicated his life to the promotion of Holocaust memory and education.

The first of its kind in the United States, the MMOT brings world-class learning experiences to communities across Illinois. Its purpose is to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to promote human dignity and to stand up against antisemitism, bullying, racism, hate and intolerance.

"The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is a safe space for us to speak to students, educators and communities about tolerance and our responsibility to stand up against hate,” said Alison Pure-Slovin, Midwest region director for the Simon Wiesenthal Center. “The hope is that those who experience our workshops can leave with an understanding of how they can take small steps in their everyday interactions to make the world a better place.”

Residents with questions are encouraged to reach out to Ellman’s office at 630-601-9961 or SenatorLauraEllman.com. More information about the Mobile Museum of Tolerance can be found on its website.

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.