PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging Will and Kendall County residents to shop, think and buy local this holiday season.

As families kick off their shopping this year, Loughran Cappel is reminding residents to frequent local businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27.

“Successful local businesses generate endless opportunities to grow and develop our local economy,” Loughran Cappel said. “Our entrepreneurs make investments in our communities every day, now it is our time to invest in them.”

Forbes reported that 78% of the small businesses surveyed said holiday sales will impact their ability to continue business next year with more than half saying holiday sales need to be better or above average to succeed.

To highlight small businesses in the 49^th District, Loughran Cappel is reminding local businesses to invite her to tour their businesses. She hopes to meet a variety of business owners and workers, including retail shops, manufacturing businesses and businesses in the service industry – from restaurants to medical offices.

“Our small businesses are resilient and have adopted creative business practices to combat the pandemic,” Loughran Cappel said. “I look forward to meeting with local business owners to discuss their challenges and ways the state can be a partner in revitalizing our business community.” 

Business owners visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to sign up for a meeting. Once an application is received, a member of Loughran Cappel’s team will reach out with additional details.

Loughran Cappel urges residents to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com with questions and concerns.

PLAINFIELD – To lift up area residents in need of a helping hand this holiday season, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is hosting a collection drive to benefit Guardian Angel Community Services until Nov. 30.

Loughran Cappel’s district office located at 2009 S. Route 59 in Plainfield will serve as a drop off location until the end of the collection drive.

“Giving back is small way we can all make a big difference in our community,” Loughran Cappel said. “While you are out shopping this holiday season, take a moment to think of our neighbors who may need some extra assistance during these cold months.”

A few high-demand items include:

• Ladies’ winter jackets (all sizes)
• Children’s hats/gloves/scarves (all sizes)
• Ladies’ hats/gloves/scarves (all sizes)
• Mini first aid kits
• Ladies’ long sleeve t-shirts (all sizes)

For a complete list of items, visit the Guardian Angel Community Services website at www.gacsprograms.org.

There will also be opportunities for those interested in donating to drop off items with Loughran Cappel and her staff at her Joliet Coffee and Conversation on Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in Meeting Room F at the Joliet Public Library – Black Road Branch (3395 Black Rd., Joliet) and Oswego Traveling Office Hours on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.at the Oswego Public Library (32 W. Jefferson St., Oswego).

For more information about Guardian Angel Community Services visit www.gacsprograms.org.

PLAINFIELD – To help people stay safe this winter season, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging drivers to utilize Getting Around Illinois to preview road conditions before traveling.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is debuting an improved road conditions map this year, which can be viewed at www.GettingAroundIllinois.com.

“The winter months bring unpredictable and possibly dangerous road conditions,” Loughran Cappel said. “If weather forecasts are not optimal, please check this vital resource to help you and your family stay safe and prepared during your holiday travels this year.”

Instead of continuing to display conditions by county, the revamped map will show how weather events are impacting roads under the jurisdictions of the more than 120 snow-and-ice team sections that work out of IDOT facilities throughout the state.

Road conditions on interstates and U.S. routes, which carry the most traffic in the state, will also be given priority reporting status and appear more boldly on the map.

A short video on how to utilize the map and review conditions can be viewed here. 

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the Oswego Public Library on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m.— 12:30 p.m. to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49^th District.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) hosts traveling office hours every month at different locations and times of day to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources.

“As we get ready for the next legislative session, it is vital that we take the opportunity to sit down and discuss issues that matter the most to our community and state,” Loughran Cappel said. “The work we do every day is guided by the opinions and input of area residents.”

Loughran Cappel urges residents unable to attend the monthly office hours to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to take her legislative survey.