LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is encouraging graduating high school seniors that plan to continue their education at an Illinois college or university to apply to this year’s Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship.

“This scholarship has aided Illinois students interested in leadership for over 35 years,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “From paying for textbooks to getting a new laptop, this is an opportunity for students to take advantage of assistance to offset the high costs of furthering their education.”

Annually, the TOI awards seven $2,000 scholarships to Illinois high school seniors. Students interested in applying are encouraged to visit toi.org to check eligibility requirements, including a history of extracurricular activities that demonstrates a willingness to accept leadership responsibilities or a commitment to civic responsibility, social consciousness and more.

Additionally, students who apply must also submit a 500-word essay on “The Role of Township Government in Today’s Society and in the Future” that will include information gained from an interview with an elected township official.

“As students are considering the different higher education institutions across the state, they’re considering what they can afford,” said Edly-Allen. “Our future leaders can get a head start with this scholarship and expand on their essay writing skills at the same time.”

The application must be mailed or submitted online no later than March 1. All scholarship awards are disbursed directly to the award recipient’s school and must be used for the 2024-2025 academic year.

LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen announced 12 school districts in the 31st District have received more than $27,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“As an educator, I know how essential these grants are to our students and the benefits that come with it,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “By providing high-quality educational materials, the state is not only preparing future generations to come but also ensuring students have the resources and skills they need for a bright academic career.”

Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts in Edly-Allen’s district received a total of $27,194:

LIBERTYVILLE – The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is now open to all income-eligible households, and State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is urging eligible families to apply to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills.

“Families shouldn’t have to decide between groceries and paying utility bills in the winter to keep warm,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “The state is offering assistance for families in need, and I strongly encourage all eligible residents to apply to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.”

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 311,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $1,000 per household.

All income-eligible households can now apply for assistance, and applications will be accepted through Aug. 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2024 will provide $237 million to eligible families for energy bill assistance.

For more information or to apply to the program, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or your local agency.

ROUND LAKE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is encouraging Lake County residents to donate blood at the Round Lake Area Park District from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16.

“Blood donations continue to be essential to the health of people in our community,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “There is a critical need for blood donations from healthy individuals, and this event will be a safe and accessible opportunity to help strengthen our blood supply.

The blood drive will be hosted by Versiti and Edly-Allen at the Round Lake Area Park District’s Senior Center, located at 814 Hart Rd. in Round Lake. Individuals are encouraged to sign up ahead of time, however walk-ins are welcome as well.

“I’m proud to team up with Versiti once again to provide a safe outlet for people to make a difference,” said Edly-Allen. “We must meet the needs of our community by working together.”

For more information about this blood drive or to schedule an appointment, please visit the Versiti website.