CREST HILL – With the holiday season upon us, 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. 12. 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.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel received the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s an honor to receive the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Supporting Illinois’ businesses has always been one of my top priorities. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges businesses face. It’s important to work collaboratively with my colleagues in the General Assembly to continue uplifting businesses across Illinois.”

The Bridge Builder Award recognizes two legislators from each chamber, one from each caucus, who display a willingness and effectiveness in reaching across the aisle to work together to make Illinois a more attractive place to conduct business.

“Senator Cappel represents what we need more of in the legislature, business-minded leaders that achieve results that benefit Illinois communities,” said Lou Sandoval, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber. “It is an honor to present her with this award and we look forward to continuing our work with the senator in the upcoming session.”

For more information, visit the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s website.

SHOREWOOD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will hold traveling office hours at the Shorewood-Troy Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 30 to give residents an opportunity to request assistance and ask questions about state and local programs.

“The best way for folks to get the answers they need is to speak directly to my team,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I encourage people who need assistance with state and local resources to come by and inquire about new programs and services over a hot cup of coffee.”

The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Shorewood-Troy Public Library, located at 650 Deerwood Dr. in Shorewood. Loughran Cappel’s office will provide coffee for attendees.

This free event is an initiative from Loughran Cappel’s office to assist residents with state resources, as well as increase accessibility, government accountability, and outreach by holding office hours for the public.

If anyone has questions or concerns, they are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

Plainfield – Local residents are invited to join State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel for a cup of coffee and conversations on Oct. 9, where she will have open dialogue about how she can best serve the area.

“I look forward to discussing the important issues facing the folks of Plainfield over a hot cup of coffee,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Speaking with residents of my district directly is one of the best ways to understand their thoughts and concerns about our state.”

The free event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon at Ten Drops Coffee, located at 14903 S. Center St. #104 in Plainfield.

Monthly Coffee and Conversations serve as open forums for community members to share their concerns and talk with the senator about state issues. Coffee will be provided for attendees.

People with questions or concerns can contact Loughran Cappel’s Crest Hill office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.