The community is invited to participate in a family-friendly, drive-thru charity event aimed at keeping local students warm this winter. The “Warm Up Our Kids” drive-thru takes place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Karmak Campus, located at 1 Karmak Plaza, Carlinville, IL and is sponsored by Karmak and Carlinville Area Hospital and Clinics.

Additional drop-off boxes will be available at the following locations to maximize participation and convenience:

• Sullivans in Carlinville, Gillespie, and Litchfield
• Pharmacy Plus in Girard
• Sav-Mor Pharmacy in Virden
• CAH&C Clinic sites in Gillespie, Girard, Carlinville, and Virden
• Briar Rose in Litchfield
• Brave Hazel in Carlinville
• Oh-So Cute Boutique in Virden

Drive through the event route and drop off much-needed supplies listed below. All donations will directly benefit students in the participating school districts, helping ensure every child has the warmth and essentials they need to face the winter season. Community support help bridge gaps and bring tangible, immediate relief to families in need.

Join us in spreading warmth and goodwill this December. The Ben Gil Post and community partners look forward to seeing you at the Karmak Campus drive-thru.

The Gillespie community is proud to partner with ImpactLife to host a Community Blood Drive on Monday, November 10 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, November 10, 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 September 15, 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 a $20 e-Gift Card, Bonus Points for ImpactLife’s Rewards Store, or the option to donate $20 to a nonprofit of their choice.

Quentin is the son of Shain Tooley and Missy Neubert Welch. Quentin grew up in Mt. Olive and graduated from Mt. Olive High School in 2015 and now resides in Edwardsville. Quentin was diagnosed with Stage 3 Sarcoma.

He recently had a softball size mass removed and will soon be starting radiation. Quentin will be off of work while receiving treatment. To help assist with the cost of living while undergoing treatment, there will be a fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Moose Lodge in Litchfield.

There will be a four person (bring your own team) dart tournament, silent auction, lunch, and 50/50 raffle. Donations would greatly be appreciated for all events. Doors open at 10AM, tournament starts at 11AM, lunch begin serving at noon and silent auction ends at 4PM.

For more information on the dart tournament, contact Bob (217-710-2497) or Tammy (217-313-0752) Hudzik. If you wish to donate items or have any questions regarding donations contact, Melinda (217-556-1379) or Dylan (217-710-0016) Zippay.

Please come out and show your support. More information to follow.