April 27, 2020 Update from the Mayor
Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced 1,980 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 45,883 cases, including 1,983 deaths, in 96 counties in Illinois. There are now 51 confirmed cases of COVID in Hickory Hills and 2 reported deaths.
Generous Support Of Our Local Food Pantry
A huge thanks to those of you who were able to donate to Elsie’s Food Pantry. I spoke to the Director of the Food Bank today and she said that our amazing Hickory Hills residents donated $1,700! The Director is so thankful because the pantry now serves almost 90 families per week, double its normal number. Elsie’s recently used some of your donations to purchase chicken, beef and cereal from our local Jewel. When Jewel heard that the purchases were for our local food pantry, they specially repackaged chicken breast and gave Elsie’s a discount!
As Elsie’s serves double the number of families, the pantry has continuing monetary needs so I just wanted to republish my prior update for those of you who may have missed it.
So many kind people have reached out to the city about wanting to donate money or food to help our fellow neighbors in need. We all want to provide as much support as possible, but it is important to do so in an intelligent, efficient manner. Rather than create a temporary food assistance program, we feel that it is far more important to support the well-respected Elsie’s Food Pantry located at 10040 S. 88th Avenue in Palos Hills. Elsie’s has long served those in need in Hickory Hills and the greater Palos region. Currently, the pantry is open for drive through pickup on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Those needing food in these difficult times need only drive up and a pre-packaged box of food will be placed in the trunk of your car (no personal contact).
The Director of Elsie’s Food Pantry told me that the pantry receives food donations from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, but that food demand has been high so the pantry has needed to purchase more food in local grocery stores to keep up with demand. The Director told me that while food donations are appreciated, the greatest benefit would be for a direct monetary donation to Elsie’s Food Pantry. This way, Elsie’s staff can purchase the exact type of food that they need for that particular week. Monetary donations are used directly for the purchase of food alone. If you are able, I would encourage you to make a monetary donation to Elsie’s Food Pantry and simply drop the donation off in the drop box at Hickory Hills City Hall. Clerk Catizone or a member of her staff will drop off all checks directly with the Director of Elsie’s Food Pantry.
Finally, while Elsie’s Food Pantry is housed at the Savior Divine Lutheran Church, the food pantry is there to serve needy area residents regardless of religious affiliation. In addition, the pantry provides food for dogs and cats.
City Clerk Dee Catizone Offering No Contact Notary Service
Like many things these days, getting a notary can be even more of a challenge. For your convenience, our City Clerk Dee Catizone is offering Hickory Hills residents who need something notarized, contact free notary services. To schedule a notary appointment simply call 708/598-4800.
Happy Gilmore Happy Again….Sort Of
As of May 1, at 6:00 a.m. golfers will once again be able to hit the links, albeit with some rather stringent social distancing and playing guidelines. guidance (available via this link)
Jim Gaffigan CBS Sunday Morning
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jim-gaffigan-on-consuming-all-news-all-the-time/
Two Minutes of Egrets on Marsh
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/nature-egrets/
Have a great week!
Mayor Mike