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Community Corner

DuPage Township Recognized As Cream Of The Crop

The Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizens Services Committee named the township, which serves Woodridge, Township of the Year.

Of nearly 1,500 townships in the state,  has been named the best according to a senior citizens committee.

The Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizens Services Committee named the township, which serves  and Romeoville, Township of the Year.

Townships do not compete against each other per se, but their service record is evaluated in relation to each others ability to excel in a challenging economy.

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"This is the second time we have been honored,"  said. "It is through the hard work and dedication of our staff that we are able to keep pushing the boundaries of service.

"We employ the finest, who come to work each day ready to rise to the challenges that face them. They find ways to work with different agencies and non-profits and come up with new and innovative ways to meet the needs of our clients,” Mayer said.

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DuPage Township was singled out for its service to seniors and its service to constituents in general was also viewed favorably by the Township of Illinois (TOI) organization as a whole.

The township’s ability to feed under-resourced families, its training and resources for the unemployed and underemployed and emergency and medical services were also bullet points for the award.

The  is a new service the township launched this summer in conjunction with. The program, which is estimated to reach as many as 16,000 constituents, was designed to bring health care services to township residents who don’t have or can’t afford health care services.

"I have been fortunate over the years that I have been involved with township government to have worked with officials from all over the state who are steadfast in their commitment to excellence," said Bryan Smith, TOI executive director.

At a time when public confidence in government and its officials is low, DuPage Township seeks to continually provide constituents cost-effective options.

"One of the extra programs offered through the (township’s) pantry are Thanksgiving baskets," said, the township’s food pantry manager said. "It’s been going on for the past 10 years and each year we manage to do more. Last month we provided full meals for 1,000 families. It is phenomenal. We start working on it three months prior and we have help from 150 volunteers."

, was similarly challenged to extend youth outreach programs. In November, the youth department rose to the task by partnering with  to co-sponosor the  program.

"Every kid walked away with a gift… 200 brand spanking-new presents," Morelli said. "So many people stepped up to the plate with us.  catered breakfast, DuAll Heating and Cooling gave us a new girls and boys bike to raffle, the , ,, —they all were there for the kids."

To learn more about DuPage Township and the programs they offer call 630-759-1317.

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