CHAMPAIGN – To help address the state’s blood supply shortage, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is calling on healthy, eligible donors to donate blood at two upcoming blood drives taking place next week in Urbana and Danville.

“The need for blood is greater than ever, and these drives are an effort to help meet the current demand for blood donations,” Bennett said. “If you are healthy and able, your participation is critical to help save lives during this ongoing public health crisis.”

The blood drives will take place Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Urbana Donor Center, located at 1408 W. University Ave. in Urbana, and the Danville Elks Donor Center, located at 300 E. Liberty Lane in Danville. Donation hours at the Urbana location can be found here, and Danville here.

Donor centers are following recommendations from local, state and federal health agencies to keep staff, volunteers and donors safe. Appointments and masks will be required, and chairs in all areas will be at least six feet apart.

Healthy and eligible candidates can schedule an appointment to donate in Urbana at https://ilsendems.co/C-UBloodDrive or in Danville at https://ilsendems.co/DanvilleBloodDrive. All presenting donors will receive a voucher for a $10 gift card to a location of their choice, which can be redeemed through Sept. 20.

For more information, Bennett urges residents to contact his Champaign office at 217-355-5252 or his Danville office at 217-442-5252. Those with questions can also visit his website, SenatorBennett.com.

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivers cards to Angela Rodgers, Administrator of Bowman Estates in Danville on Aug. 28, 2020.

DANVILLE – As a show of support for isolated older adults in Vermilion County, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivered one hundred cards to the residents of Bowman Estates of Danville on Friday.

“I want to thank the community who helped make these thoughtful cards for our older neighbors,” Bennett said. “These cards brought joy to folks stuck inside because of COVID-19 and let them know we’re thinking about them.”

Through Bennett’s “Cards for Seniors” collection this past month, community members had the opportunity to write an encouraging message or card to an older neighbor who may be separated from their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bennett’s office collected cards from the Vermilion County Board, Project Success students, Salt Fork High School students, and the Georgetown Ladies Community Club.

“This project really showed how the community can come together, especially during this period of social distancing and staying home,” Bennett said. “It was heartwarming to share these with the residents at Bowman Estates and remind them we’re all in this together.” 

CHAMPAIGN – With less than a month before the U.S. Census Bureau wraps up its counting efforts, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is urging Champaign County residents to fill out the census if they have not done so, or risk costing their communities vital federal funding over the next 10 years.

“The goal is to get an accurate count of how many people live in a community so we don’t miss out on funding for critical public services,” Bennett said. “Whether it’s on paper, online or on the phone, please fill out the 2020 Census as soon as possible to ensure Champaign County gets its fair share.”

Across Champaign County, participation in the 2020 Census is lower than in the 2010 Census. Only 63% of Champaign residents have completed their census forms this year, as opposed to 70.7% of residents in 2010. In Urbana, just 65.2% of residents have been counted—a decade ago, 67.9% of residents responded. Rantoul is also below target level, with only 62.4% of residents having completed their census forms, versus 68.7% of residents in 2010.

Residents can complete the census for their household at www.my2020census.gov. Higher self-response rates mean fewer individuals are likely to receive visits from census surveyors to be counted in person. This year, census surveyors are putting their and their families’ health at risk of COVID-19, and limiting visits may mean saving lives.

“Health care, schools, and roads and bridges are all impacted by the 2020 Census,” Bennett said. “I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to participate.”

To see response rates across Illinois and the nation, visit www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us.

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) meets with Chris Knight, owner of The Blind Pig, in Champaign on Aug. 26, 2020.

CHAMPAIGN - As part of a district-wide tour of local businesses, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) visited The Blind Pig in Champaign on Wednesday to tour the brewery and address the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the business.

“Small businesses are feeling the financial pain of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Champaign staples like The Blind Pig are no exception,” Bennett said. “It’s clear that the staff at The Blind Pig are taking the restrictions seriously and making efforts to safeguard our community. If we want to help our local businesses during this difficult time, they need our patronage.”

During the tour, Bennett met with owner Chris Knight and heard about the brewery’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Knight is leaning on the community for support and encourages patrons to purchase gift cards and continue to drink “the beer of Champaign.” The Blind Pig is now open every day of the week and is working hard to safely serve customers under new guidelines.

“I appreciated hearing firsthand from a long-standing member of the Champaign business community so we can navigate this crisis together,” Bennett said. “We owe it to them to show our support and get them the help they need to keep their doors open.”

Bennett hopes to visit more local restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons, in the coming weeks.

Interested businesses can schedule a tour by visiting http://SenatorBennett.com/SmallBusinessTours. All tours will be in compliance with the state’s public health guidelines and restrictions, including wearing a mask and social distancing.