Upcoming Events
Community invited to live drive-thru Nativity at St. Francis Hospital on Dec. 8
LITCHFIELD — HSHS St. Francis Hospital invites the community to view a live recreation of the night of our Savior’s birth at a live drive-thru nativity scene on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the circle drive in front of the hospital. Attendees will also receive free hot cocoa kits and Christmas activity bags for children.
St. Francis Hospital’s Director of Operations Aryn Hunter noted the history of the Nativity and the hospital’s connection with St. Francis of Assisi. “In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi began the tradition of commemorating the birth of Christ with a live Nativity near the city of Greccio, Italy,” said Hunter. “He was concerned that the hermitage would be too small for Christmas midnight Mass, so he set up an altar near the town square. He prepared a manger with hay and gathered live animals to illustrate the story of Jesus’ birth and this is how the tradition of the Nativity started and is still portrayed today.”
Volunteers from the hospital will take on the roles of Mary, Joseph and the three wise men in the Nativity scene. Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times.
Hunter said, “We are excited to bring back this visual reminder and celebration of the birth of Jesus to our community and are honored to follow in St. Francis of Assisi’s footsteps.”
In addition to this event, the campus of the hospital will be decorated with Christmas lights and a set of Christmas trees decorated by colleagues at the front of the building. “Our facilities team does a wonderful job with lighting and decorating St. Francis Hospital and it’s a treat every year for our colleagues to see. We welcome the community to come enjoy them this holiday season, too,” Hunter added.
In case of inclement weather, event status updates will be posted on the hospital’s Facebook page, @StFrancisLitchfield. For more information about HSHS St. Francis Hospital, please visit StFrancis-litchfield.org.
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As summer heats up, the need for blood donations remains strong, and local residents are encouraged to step up and make a difference. The Mt. Olive VFW is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, July 31st, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m., providing a perfect opportunity for community members to give back.
In an effort to thank donors and promote team spirit, those who donate will receive a commemorative St. Louis Cardinals blood drive T-shirt, available while supplies last. Additionally, donors will be rewarded with a Fandango Movie Reward sent via email, making the experience even more rewarding.
Appointments are encouraged to help streamline the process, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors can save time by completing RapidPass on the day of the drive, which allows for faster blood donation registration.
Join us on July 31st to help save lives—your generous donation can be a home run for patients in need. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the American Red Cross website or contact the Mt. Olive VFW.
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The Gillespie community is proud to partner with ImpactLife to host a Community Blood Drive on Monday, July 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, located at 900 Broadway.
This vital event offers community members an opportunity to help save lives by donating blood, which is essential for patients in local hospitals and medical facilities. The blood drive is open to donors of all eligible ages and backgrounds.
Event Details:
What: Gillespie Community Blood Drive
When: Monday, July 7th, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, 900 Broadway, Gillespie, IL
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth experience. To schedule your donation, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 710-1336, visit bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive, or call ImpactLife directly at 800-747-5401.
Donor Eligibility:
Potential donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental permission available online), weigh over 110 pounds, and present a valid photo ID. Donors who have given blood on or before May 12, 2025, are eligible to participate. Individuals with controlled diabetes or high blood pressure may also be eligible to donate. For further eligibility questions, contact ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401.
About Blood Donation:
The blood donation process is safe, quick, and typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. It is a simple procedure that can make a significant difference in the lives of patients in need.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing blood products and services to over 100 hospitals and emergency providers across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as supporting medical research and resource sharing nationwide. To learn more about ImpactLife, visit www.bloodcenter.org and follow them on social media @impactlifeblood.
Special Donor Incentives:
All successful donors will receive a choice of an e-Gift Card, Bonus Points for ImpactLife’s Rewards Store, or the option to donate their reward to a nonprofit of their choice.
Join us in making a difference—your donation could be the reason someone in our community receives the life-saving care they need.
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Hillsboro, IL — Hillsboro’s beloved Imagine Hillsboro’s Markets are back for another season, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy locally made, handcrafted, and fresh items. The markets are held every second Saturday from May through September, providing a vibrant community event in the heart of Hillsboro.
The upcoming market takes place on June 14th, just in time for Father’s Day, and will feature a wide variety of homemade products and local treasures. Shoppers can browse and purchase flowers, plants, produce, pecans, baked goods, books, jewelry, honey, jellies and jams, wood turned items, dog treats, resin crafts, candles, and more.
In addition to the shopping experience, the June 14th market will include a free drawing for a goody bag filled with items donated by local businesses and market vendors—a perfect opportunity to find a special gift for Father’s Day or treat yourself.
The market is held from 9:00 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, with plenty of parking available for visitors. It’s a family-friendly event designed to foster community spirit and support local artisans and farmers.
Join us in Hillsboro each month for fresh, homemade, and handcrafted products, along with community fun and connection.
