According to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, one in eight Chicagoans depends on their services. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey released recently revealed that of Cook County residents 825,870 individuals (15.9 percent) lived in poverty in 2009. Children were particularly hard hit as 286,310 children (26.2 percent) lived in poverty last year.
With the help of a state grant, The Greater Chicago Food Depository opened in 1978 and has since helped millions of residents across the city. Today, the Food Depository distributes 66 million pounds of food, including more than 12.8 million pounds of produce, to 650 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in Cook County. Nearly 142,000 men, women and children turn to the Food Depository’s network each week, and nearly 678,000 people turn to the network annually.
If you or someone you know is in need of services from The Greater Chicago Food Depository or if you would like to donate, please visit
www.chicagosfoodbank.org or call 773.247.3663 to find a food bank location near you.Triton College is currently offering a 10 week, 240 hour Engineer Technician Training Program (ETTP). Engineer Technicians perform tasks of a technical nature in connection with the investigation planning, design and construction or engineering projects. The program will cover selected topics in mathematics, basic engineering and Computer Aided Design and Drafting.
Applicants must be available 1-5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and all day on Fridays. Applicants will receive a $200 per week stipend and a $500 completion bonus if they successfully complete the program. This program is a wonderful opportunity for currently unemployed individuals or individuals looking to make a career change. For more information, visit
Armed Forces veterans who wish to receive a flu vaccine to protect against both seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu), there is no reason to pay for the flu shot or wait in long lines to receive it. An ample supply of the combined vaccine is available to veterans at no charge from Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, located at 820 S. Damen Avenue in Chicago. All veterans are eligible, even if they have not previously used VA services.
The Department of Veterans Affairs strongly endorses the use of the flu vaccine as protection against both seasonal flu and H1N1. It has been proven effective in reducing the spread of flu viruses and also helps to protect the families of anyone who receives the vaccine. Flu shots are offered at the medical center Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 1458, located on the first floor of the Damen Pavilion. No appointment is needed and veterans will receive their choice of either free self-parking or free valet parking at the medical center’s garage entrance on Ogden Avenue. Veterans are asked to bring their VA identification card, DD Form 214 or other proof of military service to receive their flu shot if they are not already enrolled for care at the medical center. It is not necessary to have previously enrolled in the VA system to receive a flu shot.
Last weekend, Working Bikes, a local non-profit, sold over 100 bicycles to children took and have received numerous requests from families that weren't able to make it out last Saturday. To help the families that missed this great opportunity the organization is repeating their $5 bicycle sale this Saturday December 18th. This will be the final day of the sale and children must be present! There is a limit of one bicycle per child.
All of the bicycles are gently used donations but are in great condition. When: Saturday December 18th, 1 to 5pm Where: 2434 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL, 60608 Working Bikes is a nonprofit organization. We receive donated bicycles and recycle them by repairing them and selling them in our store front. The revenue that we generate is used to fulfill our mission of sending bicycles to developing countries in South America, Central America and Africa. For more information visit
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