CHAMPAIGN – As snow-and-ice season nears, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joins the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police in reminding drivers to take steps to prepare themselves to navigate the winter driving season safely.

“Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to check current road conditions before heading out,” Bennett said. “If you don’t need to be on the roads, consider canceling your travel plans. If you can’t avoid driving, plan ahead and make sure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle.”

Drivers should be mindful of winter driving skills and build extra time into their schedules in the months ahead. As part of the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign, travelers are encouraged to follow these simple guidelines:

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CHAMPAIGN – Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, Nov. 28, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging Champaign and Vermilion County residents to keep their dollars in the community by shopping and buying local this holiday season.

“Small businesses have been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, making Small Business Saturday more vital than ever,” Bennett said. “I encourage folks to patronize our local businesses during the holiday shopping season to help our community and economy move forward from this crisis.”

Bennett reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Bennett added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.

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DANVILLE – To uplift the residents at local long-term care facilities and spread holiday cheer, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is collecting holiday cards to deliver to the residents at Gardenview Manor and Danville Care.

“This holiday season will be especially challenging for folks living at long-term care facilities,” Bennett said. “With the holidays being celebrated differently this year, we have to be a bit more creative to show support and compassion to our seniors.”

Bennett is encouraging Vermilion County residents to write cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, to help spread some holiday cheer during this difficult time.

“I will be delivering these cards to the residents so they feel a sense of community this holiday season,” Bennett said. “Please take a few minutes of your time and send a card to an older neighbor in our community.”

Bennett is also encouraging kids to participate and make homemade cards.

Cards can be delivered to Bennett’s Danville office through Monday, Dec. 14:

State Senator Scott Bennett
201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323
Danville, IL 61832

For more information or to arrange a separate pick-up time, call Betty at 217-442-5252 or visit SenatorBennett.com.

CHAMPAIGN – To help residents stay warm this winter, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is launching a holiday drive to benefit the folks at C-U at Home.

“Homeless service providers, like C-U at Home, are facing a long list of needs during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bennett said. “Unfortunately, the need for these items will not go away this year because even more people are in need of help due to job loss stemming from the ongoing public health crisis.”

C-U at Home is in particular need of new backpacks, hygiene supplies, long underwear, and socks. These items are urgently needed to meet the needs for homeless individuals in the community.

“These items can help individuals brave the cold to work toward a home of their own,” Bennett said. “This drive is a great opportunity to give back to those in need.”

Starting Monday, Nov. 23, residents can drop off donations to the collection box outside of Senator Bennett’s office in Champaign, located at 45 E. University, Suite 206 through Friday, Dec. 18. Bennett reminds those donating to wear a mask in the building and practice social distancing.