There are two different opportunities for West Peorians to improve the lives of others during the upcoming holiday season. Non-perishable food items are desperately needed for the 30th annual Stuff-a-Bus for Friendship House to be shared with families in need. Stuff-a-Bus is hosted by CityLink, Kroger’s, Friendship House and others and supplies thousands of meals each year for those in need. Food items can be donated at all Kroger’s Stores, City Hall, CityLink Transit Center and Friendship House. This drive ends Nov. 28.
Jimmy Binkley, a community mainstay, entertained seniors each holiday season until he died in 2015. He had gifts donated to share at these special events. Items should be useful but inexpensive: socks, shaving cream, soap, warm-up suits, puzzles. Drop off donated items at City Hall. Dan Kerns, West Peoria Fire Department, will be guest speaker at the West Peoria Neighborhood Watch meeting 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at City Hall. His topic is smoke detectors and home fire safety. The Residents Association will meet 6 p.m. Nov. 16, at City Hall. The Residents Association recently recognized Amy Furgiuele with the West Peoria Beautiful Award for the most improved lawn.
Boy Scouts Troop 11 will again be selling fresh Christmas wreaths and butter braids during the first part of November. Contact any Troop 11 scout or call Bob DeSutter, scoutmaster, at 674-6668 to order. Dates and activities for upcoming community events include: As the
Page Turns Book Club 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month; Seniors on the Go 1 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month. For more information on both groups, call Maggie Moore, 673-0535, or Loretta Fehl, 637-0326. The Garden Club will meet 7 p.m. Nov. 20 in the township building to make fleece scarves for school children. For more information, call 256-8233.
Breakfast with Santa will be 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 2. Continue planning for the Christmas season; judging for best decorated residences will begin Dec. 6. Four winners will be chosen from these categories: simplicity, Vegas style, religious and holiday theme. Nomination forms can be obtained at Haddad’s Market or the West Peoria Residents Association web site. The Residents Association sponsors both December events. The City Hall will be closed for the holidays Nov. 10, 23 and 24.