CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel encourages area residents, service organizations, schools and individuals to support the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ 2023 Operation Rising Spirit in writing letters of appreciation to honor our former service members currently residing in state veterans’ homes.

“Our veterans who receive holiday letters are reminded of our gratitude for their sacrifices in the service of our nation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The thoughtful effort in writing a letter allows us to share our joy and support, letting these local heroes know they are valued and loved.”

Operation Rising Spirit initially launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit friends and family. The campaign was successful in encouraging veterans and facilitated their connection with the community. During the 2022 holiday season, IDVA distributed over 5,000 letters to veterans in the state’s care.

“Operation Rising Spirit serves as a tribute to the individuals who protected us and connects them to the community,” said Loughran Cappel. “I invite all residents to recognize our former service members in writing them a letter this holiday season.”

Participants can mail letters directly to IDVA or submit on the IDVA website. Letters will be divided equally between the state’s five veterans’ homes. If mailing, send letters to:

Crystal Womack

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 S. Spring St.

Springfield, IL 62794-9432

CREST HILL – To spread holiday cheer, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a holiday card drive for seniors across her district.

“During the holiday season, it’s important to give back and spread joy throughout our community,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Let’s get in the holiday spirit by writing a kind note that will make someone’s day.”

Loughran Cappel is collecting store bought and handmade cards for local seniors this holiday season. People are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to her Crest Hill office, located at 20660 Caton Farm Road, Unit D, Crest Hill, Illinois 60403. She is collecting cards until Dec. 15 and then will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

SHOREWOOD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will be hosting a Coffee and Conversation event Nov. 28 in Shorewood to connect with the community.

“I am looking forward to hearing from local residents this month about their thoughts on the issues that matter most to them,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Connecting with the community on their thoughts and ideas helps make me a better legislator.”

The event will be held Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at Biggby Coffee, located at 1015 Brook Forest Ave. in Shorewood.

Each monthly Coffee and Conversation event is an opportunity for residents to enjoy a free cup of coffee while connecting with their state senator on local and state issues.

“Making myself available to residents each and every month allows me to connect with them on a deeper level,” said Loughran Cappel. “I encourage local residents to join me for a cup of coffee and conversations.”

This event is free and open to the community. With questions about the event, people can contact Loughran Cappel’s Crest Hill office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

CREST HILL – The holiday season is among us, and State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is collecting toys for children across Will County.

“We often take for granted our ability to give and receive gifts during the holidays – but the reality is, hundreds of children in our community go without them each year,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This season, let’s not only think about our own families but the families around us, too. Help us out by donating toys to the kids who need it most.”

Loughran Cappel’s office – located at 20660 Caton Farm Road, Unit D in Crest Hill – will serve as a Toys for Tots drop-off location now through Dec. 15. Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages. The toys will be gifted to children in need throughout the holiday months.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute toys as Christmas gifts to children in the community.

For more information, call Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.