Miss Illinois Contestants Donate Coats to CCIL

Pictured above: Stacie Juris, Miss Illinois Teen USA 2009 and Ashley Bond, Miss Illinois USA 2009 posing with some of the coats

A special THANK YOU to the 2010 contestants in the Miss Illinois Teen USA and Miss Illinois USA pageants for their generous coat contributions! Last year contestants donated more than 100 coats to families at the Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL). Under the direction of Daryl Schabinger, this year was no different as contestants gathered just as many, if not more, coats. On behalf of CCIL's residents, staff and volunteers, thank you for the warm coats and for thinking of us this holiday season!

Thanksgiving Day at CCIL

The Chicago Christian Industrial League's (CCIL) main campus, located at 2750 W. Roosevelt Road, was humming with holiday activities on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009 as residents, community members, volunteers and staff gathered for a celebration of giving and being thankful. Volunteers, young and not as young, served heaping helpings of turkey, stuffing, vegetables, rolls, pastries and beverages to more than 250 people throughout the morning. Guests enjoyed delicious food, crafts, games and fellowship. The day was capped off with a visit from Alderman Ed Smith.

One guest said, “This was a beautiful experience. The food was great and everyone’s so friendly and caring. I feel so much better leaving here than I did coming in.”

THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this year's Thanksgiving Day meal at CCIL a special one!

44th Annual Coat Off Your Back Campaign

Pictured above from left to right: Lorraine Clark, Barry Clark, Rick Roberts, Anna Lloyd and Ron Bernardi

The Northbrook and Deerfield Rotaries helped make the 44th Annual Coat Off Your Back campaign a huge success! Representatives Rick Roberts, CCIL Senior Director of Strategy & Communications, and Anna Lloyd, A Safe Haven, spoke during the Tuesday, November 24, 2009 meeting at Mission Hills Country Club. At least $1,100 was raised at the luncheon and a truck filled with more than 60 bulging bags of clothes was transported to the Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL).

Art Wolter from Deerfield and Chet Bloden from Northbrook originally started the Coat Off Your Back campaign 44 years ago. Both were Rotarians and directors of CCIL. The campaign really started to gain momentum the past 11 years under the direction of the late Rotarian Ken Thiel. Thiel set up a number of collection places in various communities and was integral in spreading the word about CCIL. Lorraine Clark, former CCIL Board Member, her husband Barry Clark, Deerfield Rotary and Ronald Bernardi, Northbrook Rotary are now the driving forces behind the campaign.

CCIL on CAN TV 11/19/09 – Guest Lee Bogan

On Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 4:30pm, Lee Bogan shared his trials and tribulations with host Jenny Brandhorst on CCIL’s weekly CAN TV show. Mr. Bogan’s sincere effort in transforming his thinking inspired viewers to reflect on their own circumstances and life choices. Lee received a variety of calls beckoning him to “stay focused, stay encouraged”.

“CCIL has given me a second chance, a chance I never thought I would have,” said Bogan. Lee is maintaining a full-time job and utilizing a variety of services offered at CCIL. He’s thankful for the support of his family and friends as he's working to make positive changes in his life.

CCIL has been providing hope for families and individuals affected by poverty and homelessness for 100 years and counting. Hotline 21 is a live, interactive, call-in show. Viewers are encouraged to call 312-738-1060 with questions or comments. This is a great opportunity to learn more about CCIL's mission, programs, partnerships and people served.

CCIL on CAN TV 11/12/09 - Guest Angela Scott

Pictured above from left to right: Patrick Taylor, Angela Scott, Antone Little, Linda Dortch

Angela Scott's compelling story tugged on the heart strings of viewers during her 4:30pm interview on CCIL’s weekly CAN TV show Thursday, November 12, 2009. Growing up in a dysfunctional environment, Angela turned to drugs and alcohol for comfort. Addicted and homeless, she hit rock bottom when her daughters were eventually taken away from her.

“I never thought this could happen to me. Now that I see the light, I want to help others. I’m going to school to be a substance abuse counselor. I have so much compassion to help others who are struggling with addiction,” said Angela Scott.

With the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, CCIL and her friends, Angela continues on her journey of being clean, sober and getting her life on track.

CCIL has been providing hope for families and individuals affected by poverty and homelessness for 100 years and counting. Hotline 21 is a live, interactive, call-in show. Viewers are encouraged to call 312-738-1060 with questions or comments. This is a great opportunity to learn more about CCIL's mission, programs, partnerships and people served.

CCIL on CAN TV 11/5/09 – Guest Sabrina Williams

Sabrina Williams, CCIL resident, kept it “real” with her audience while being interviewed on CCIL’s weekly CAN TV show, Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. Sabrina and her 1 year old baby Jeremiah sought assistance and refuge at the Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL) earlier this year.

Sabrina encouraged viewers who might be struggling or in crisis, “You gotta want it. You have to want to change and then you have to do it. Get help! Find a program, find CCIL, ask a police officer or a fireman, but just get help if you need it.”

CCIL has been providing hope for families and individuals affected by poverty and homelessness for 100 years and counting. Hotline 21 is a live, interactive, call-in show. Viewers are encouraged to call 312-738-1060 with questions or comments. This is a great opportunity to learn more about CCIL's mission, programs, partnerships and people served.

The Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL) will be hosting its annual Community Thanksgiving Meal on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2009 from 9:30am - Noon. Guests will enjoy a delicious, traditional, homemade meal with all the trimmings served by friendly volunteers. All are welcome! Join us in a day full of fabulous food, fellowship and fun as we give thanks for the many blessings in our lives.

What: Community Thanksgiving Meal
When: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2009 from 9:30am - Noon
Who: All are welcome
Where: CCIL cafeteria, 2750 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL

Contact Chris Wiens at 773-435-8385 for more information.