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.

BOLINGBROOK – Local residents are invited to join State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel for a cup of coffee and conversations on Sept. 24, where she will discuss with attendees how she can best serve her district.

“Each and every month, I look forward to hearing from residents about what I can do to help them,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Having direct conversations with residents is a great way for me to better understand the issues they care about.”

The free event will be held Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at Charlie’s Restaurant, located at 130 Clow International Parkway in Bolingbrook.

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.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Loughran Cappel will get more teachers in the classroom, continuing her commitment of addressing the ongoing teacher shortage.

“Every year we have taken necessary steps to tackle the teacher shortage, getting more educators in the classroom,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “People who want to be teachers need support and encouragement. We can’t risk losing aspiring educators – we need to ensure they can get their licenses without delays.”

House Bill 5057 allows those applying for teaching licenses to take content area tests before, during and after student teaching. Loughran Cappel’s law will ensure applicants receive their license in a timely manner.