DANVILLE – To help ensure folks stay warm during the cold winter months, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is collecting socks to benefit area shelters through Friday, Jan. 15.

“Donations to shelters are down this year due to COVID-19, so Robinson Chiropractic and I have teamed up to collect socks,” Bennett said. “Now more than ever, it’s important to support each other as a community – I encourage you to donate, if you’re able.”

Worn-out or ragged socks put people at serious risk of foot disease and, during the winter months, in severe danger from the cold. As a result, new socks are greatly needed by those experiencing homelessness—but they are the least donated clothing item at homeless shelters.

Community members are encouraged to donate new socks for men, women and children at the collection locations below:

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CHAMPAIGN – After much anticipation, Champaign County residents over the age of 75 will have the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at two community-based clinics, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) urges those eligible to reserve their slot.

“I’m proud of the tireless efforts and commitment that our local health officials and the University of Illinois have put forth to understand and combat COVID-19,” Bennett said. “The establishment of these two vaccination sites puts our community on a path toward defeating this virus.”

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, in partnership with Carle Health, OSF HealthCare, Christie Clinic, Promise Healthcare, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will hold vaccination clinics Tuesday, Jan. 12 through Thursday, Jan. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment only. Appointments are available at either community location, regardless of where you receive medical care.

To register for a vaccination at the former Dress Barn store in the Kohl’s Plaza, register online through MyCarle by logging in or signing up at MyCarle.com. Patients can also register by calling 217-902-6100.

To register for a vaccination at the iHotel and Conference Center located at 1900 S. First St. in Champaign, register online here or call 217-239-7877. The entrance for the clinic will be through the east wing of the iHotel and Conference Center.

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CHAMPAIGN – To help high school seniors and adult students stay on track with their college plans amid the pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) supports the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s (ISAC) efforts to assist students in completing financial aid applications.   

“It’s vital that students know about and receive the financial aid they’re eligible for, especially during these unprecedented times,” said Bennett, a member of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “As students continue to navigate the pandemic and plan for the future, I’m thrilled to see Illinois leading the way.”

According to the governor’s office, Illinois closed out the year ranking the number-one state for completions of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form most students use to apply for federal and state financial aid for post-secondary education.

ISAC is reaching out directly to schools that previously participated in the College Changes Everything campaign and is offering free supports statewide, such as online financial aid completion workshops for students and parents. Individual assistance to students and parents in completing financial aid applications is also available via web conferencing, phone, text or email.

“We want to make sure every high school senior and adult student in Illinois knows that completing a financial aid application is a critical step for their future,” said Jacqueline Moreno, ISAC’s director of College Access and Outreach. “We can help make the application process fairly quick and easy for most students.”

Find free assistance and more information at ISAC’s website.

CHAMPAIGN – After being closed for more than a month due to a surge of COVID-19 cases, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to see Illinois driver services facilities reopen to the public starting Tuesday, Jan. 5.

“The secretary of state’s office has expanded online services so people can conveniently access these vital services from their homes,” Bennett said. “But I’m still glad to see the secretary of state’s office reopen for those who need to go into a facility, with health and safety precautions in mind.”

Throughout the pandemic, the secretary of state’s office has granted license renewal extensions and encouraged drivers to renew online in an attempt to keep crowds from rushing to facilities.

Bennett continues to encourage drivers to visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of online services, including replacements and renewals of registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards.

“If you must go to a driver service facility, remember to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines,” Bennett said.

Expiration dates for driver's licenses and ID cards have been extended to June 1. Additionally, the federal government has extended the REAL ID deadline until Oct. 1, 2021.