Amy Erkenswick
Engage for Safe Communities Honors Local Heroes
An appreciation banner made by local kids and families, Sep 19.
On Saturday, September 19th from 1:30 to 3:00pm, Engage for Safe Communities hosted “Heroes & Helpers: A Community Appreciation Afternoon” at the Helen Plum Library Meeting Room, giving families in Downers Grove and Lombard a chance to say thank you to the veterans, first responders, and community safety workers who look out for them.
The turnout reflected just how much the community wanted to take part. Sixteen families came out, including more than 15 children, filling the room with activity and enthusiasm. DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin attended as well, and Lilac Bakery donated donuts and pastries for everyone to enjoy.
Kids and families spent the afternoon decorating and signing a giant community appreciation banner together, along with making handmade thank-you cards to hand to first responders, caregivers, and local leaders in person. Dozens of those cards are being delivered to the Lombard Fire Department, while the banner stands as a lasting tribute to veterans, first responders, and community safety workers.
Engage for Safe Communities is a non-partisan civic organization serving DuPage County, and under the leadership of Therese Scarlati, the group continues its work educating, empowering, and mobilizing residents around public safety and community well-being. Up next is the group’s Safety in Our Schools Summit, set for Saturday, December 12th at 10am, also at the Helen Plum Library Meeting Rooms.
Volunteers and donated treats from Lilac Bakery.
This event is supported by the American Stewardship Initiative (ASI), which advances a leadership framework that encourages civic engagement and strengthens communities. ASI is reviving the American Dream by fostering civic engagement and recruiting neighbors to reengage in their communities.
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