BUFFALO GROVE – Thanks to donations from generous residents of the district she represents, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) will give more than 40 coats and 200 hats to local organizations to help people stay warm this winter.

“Many of us take having winter coats, gloves and hats for granted – not realizing how many people go without each cold season,” Johnson said. “I am so grateful to the people across the district who generously donated jackets that will keep their neighbors warm.”

Senator Johnson held three temporary drop-off locations throughout the district: one in North Chicago, one in Vernon Hills and one in Waukegan. Members of the community donated enough coats to keep dozens of men, women and children of Lake County warm this winter.

When Lake County resident Pat Pertolanitz heard about Senator Johnson’s coat drive, she knew she wanted to help – but with a personal touch. Pertolanitz created and donated 200 hand-knitted hats.

“The generosity of Ms. Pertolanitz is unmatched,” Johnson said. “Not only was she willing to donate to our efforts, but she worked tirelessly to craft hats people will be able to use for years. I am beyond thankful for her kindness.”

The collected donations will be given to Vernon Hills Park District, the Urban Muslim Minority Alliance, Waukegan Township and the Lake County Sheriff's Office to then be distributed to local residents.

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is pleased more than 170 child care facilities in the district she represents were provided economic relief through a state program.

“Child care providers were forced to shut their doors earlier this year and have since seen less enrollment as some parents are still working from home,” Johnson said. “Child care facilities are essential to working families. I am pleased the legislature prioritized funding for these facilities in its most recent budget.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services distributed $270 million during two rounds of funding to support the economic health of child care providers after months of lost revenue. More than 170 programs in the district Johnson represents were awarded funds totaling $5,947,114.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services developed the grant program for licensed child care providers. The Child Care Restoration Grants was administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies.

BUFFALO GROVE — As the colder months begin and more people are struggling financially due to the ongoing public health crisis, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is hosting a winter coat drive to help families in need stay warm.

“Winter coats can be quite expensive — especially for families who have multiple children,” Johnson said. “It’s getting cold, and there are many people who don't have coats – including some children who are wearing coats that don't properly fit them. Please help our community by donating new coats this year.”

To make it more convenient for people to donate, Senator Johnson will host a number of temporary drop-off locations throughout the district.

The dates and locations are as follows:

          - Sunday, Dec. 27 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Foss Park District, 1730 Lewis Ave, North Chicago           

          - Monday, Dec. 28 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills

          - Saturday, Jan. 2 from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., Lilac Cottage, 1911 North Sheridan Road, Waukegan

Senator Johnson’s office will be wearing masks and following COVID-19 protocols at each location. People who would like to donate can simply pull into the parking lot and hand the coats off through their car window.

Donated coats will be given to a number of non-profits and townships in need throughout the district.

Anyone with additional questions can contact Senator Johnson’s office at 847-672-4395 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is encouraging businesses that were damaged during acts of civil unrest to apply for grants to help pay for repairs.

“Businesses have faced unprecedented financial struggles this year due to the ongoing public health crisis,” Johnson said. “The additional costs of repairing damage caused by civil unrest could be the difference between keeping their doors open or closing for good.”

Businesses in Waukegan and North Chicago that experienced damage due to civil unrest on or after May 25 are eligible to apply for assistance through the Rebuild Distressed Communities grant program.

The grants – spearheaded by the Illinois Department of Commerce an Economic Opportunity – will reimburse the cost of repairs for structural damages, including repairs to storefronts and entrances, improving electrical systems and restoring exterior work.

Small businesses, underinsured or uninsured businesses, businesses that have a high community impact – such as grocery stores – and businesses in communities that have experienced historic disinvestment will be given priority for funding.

The program also prioritizes the use of minority- and women-owned businesses to do the repairs.

DCEO will host a webinar about the program Thursday at 11 a.m. Interested business owners can register for the free event by visiting the agency’s website.

Applications are open from Dec. 21 until Jan. 21. For more information and to apply, business owners can visit the Rebuild Distressed Communities Program part of DCEO’s website.