DANVILLE – To help residents stay warm this winter, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is launching a warm socks drive in partnership with Robinson Chiropractic to benefit shelters across Danville.

“Homeless service providers continue to face a long list of needs, with socks being a major sought-out item of clothing by people experiencing homelessness,” Bennett said. “With winter approaching, I’m asking folks to consider donating a pair of new socks to help our neighbors in need keep warm.”

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.

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CHAMPAIGN – The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) urges eligible Illinois high school seniors to apply.

The Conservation Achievement Scholarship will award up to four scholarships of $2,000 each to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

“I encourage high school seniors interested in conservation stewardship and protecting our natural resources to apply for this scholarship,” said Bennett, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “This scholarship opportunity is a chance to help students lessen the burden of college debt and will help you achieve your post-secondary educational goals.”

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DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) encourages people to help lift up veterans across the state by asking service organizations, volunteers and others to write friendly letters to veterans’ home residents ahead of Veterans Day.

“Veterans Day is an opportunity for us all to say thank you to our veterans that honorably served our country,” Bennett said. “Sending a letter is a wonderful gesture that can help make a veteran feel special and connected. Let’s show our appreciation to these heroes by writing letters.”

Operation Rising Spirit is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs that encourages communities to write letters to residents in the care of veterans’ homes in Illinois. At a time when isolation is at a record high, the letters are meant to extend friendly affirmation for the bravery and courage of veterans both throughout their service and the pandemic.

The campaign will focus on the veterans’ homes in Illinois, located in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy. To send a message to a veteran or a veterans’ home, visit Send-a-note. Locations for each of the veterans’ homes in Illinois can be found here if someone would rather send a physical letter.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) sponsored a bill to recognize the month of November as Native American Heritage Month in Illinois.

“Native American Heritage Month is a tremendous opportunity for Illinoisans to learn more about the rich history of the first Americans,” Bennett said.

Native Americans, who were the first inhabitants of the U.S., have helped shape American culture through food, medicine, literature and the arts. A dedicated month would provide the opportunity to highlight these contributions, raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and focus on stories of the ways in which Native Americans have worked to conquer these challenges.

“This month gives us the chance to pay tribute to the contributions and influences of Native Americans,” Bennett said. “After all, it’s the least we can do for a people who laid the foundation for our country.”

Bennett encourages people across the state to recognize the influences of Native Americans on American history, achievement, culture and innovation during the month of November.