ChambanaMoms.com

Being a Jew in C-U: Apples and Honey

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:30:37 +0000

By Laura Weisskopf Bleill

For my money (and boy are they pricey – but worth it) there is no better apple around than the Honeycrisp. I am so, so very grateful to whomever developed this newish type of apple, and the fact that they just happen to be in season right now.

This is the time of year when my people eat a lot of apples. Dipping apples in honey is a Rosh Hashanah tradition — symbolic of our hope for a sweet New Year, one that is “pure, happy, and free from past transgressions, ” according to myjewishlearning.com. More than a tradition, however, it is considered a mitzvah, or a good deed.

Apples haven’t always been one of my favorite fruits. In fact, there was a time when I didn’t even like apples dipped in honey. That all changed with the advent of the honeycrisp. Sometimes, I eat apples and honey when it’s not even Rosh Hashanah (yes, I’m a rebel).

Taste some apples and honey and learn about Rosh Hashanah at a free community event on Sunday, Sept. 5 at Curtis Orchard. (Photo by Public Domain Photos on flickr)

Thinking about apples, of course, is just a ruse. Rosh Hashanah is a time to think about something a little deeper than fruit. It is a time when we devote ourselves to repentance, prayer, and charity; when we re-evaluate our relationships with one another, and with G-d. But more on that next week.

Rosh Hashanah starts Wednesday, Sept. 7, at sunset. So I’ll be spending the time in between seeking out the perfect honeycrisp apple to go with a honey dip.

If you and your family would like to learn more about Rosh Hashanah and share this joyous festival with the broader community, the Sinai Temple Religious School is sponsoring a free educational program on Sunday, Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to “A Taste of Honey,” a day of apple and honey tasting and other educational activities at Curtis Orchard (where they grow some darn good honeycrisps). Learn about the symbolism of apples and honey and other holiday traditions in a fun environment — eat and make a craft to take home.

Hope to see you there!

Laura Weisskopf Bleill, a co-founder of chambanamoms.com, will work for honeycrisps and likes honey too — even if she’s allergic to bees. She writes “Being a Jew in C-U,” a column about being a Jewish suburban girl in a cornfield, on Thursdays. You can reach her at laura@chambanamoms.com.

Homeschool Resources, From A-Z: Part II

RachaelMcMillan — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:26:20 +0000

by Rachael McMillan

Here is part II of our Homeschool A-Z list. A little background: when we presented this interview with a local experienced homeschooler, we were astounded by the reaction. There is a large community of Chambana moms who are homeschooling their kids – that we knew. But what we didn’t realize is how many more of you are thinking about trying it! The following list of resources should provide some help for new as well as experienced homeschoolers, and also for those who are just considering the practice. Don’t homeschool, but still want to be a part of your child’s education? This list is for you, too!

And, as always, feel free to add on by leaving a comment below…

N—No Teacher Left Behind
This teacher supply store in Champaign has a new owner, name, and location. Need specific teaching tools? Give this locally-owned specialty store a look.

O—The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum
For my money, the Orpheum has the best dino dig of any children’s museum I’ve been to, and I’m putting it up against the big dogs. Consider purchasing a “Super Family” membership, which allows you free admission to a host of other museums across the nation.

photo by joyosity on flickr

P—Park districts
The Champaign and Urbana park districts have a great variety of activities families can choose from to supplement a homeschool curriculum. Check out CPD’s art class for homeschoolers.

Q—Questions?
Contact any of the local homeschool groups (see H.O.U.S.E., Christian Homeschool Connections, and Yahoo Groups Champaign-Urbana Area Homeshoolers, this article)
for questions related to homeschooling. Often members are more than happy to talk with newbies, or those considering it, about how to make it happen.

R—The Reading Group
Throughout the school year, families can take advantage of the Early Day Rate for individual tutoring sessions with a reading specialist at this local not-for-profit learning center (and, one of my dozen or so places of employment—see also “T”). Also, depending on how far your family’s income is stretched, your child may qualify for a scholarship. Reading Group instructors can also help prepare students for taking standardized tests such as the GED, ACT, and SAT.

S—Spurlock Museum
Located on the U of I campus, this museum houses collections of artifacts from ancient cultures around the world. Admission is free, but a $3 donation per person is suggested. Look for its Educational Resource Center to be up and running soon; it will lend out learning kits on a variety of topics.

T—Ten Thousand Villages
(Taking off writer’s hat, putting on new one…) Hi, I’m Rachael McMillan, and I’m the education coordinator for Ten Thousand Villages. My job is to give talks about the benefits of fair trade. This can fit in well with a social studies unit; almost all of our goods come from developing nations around the world. My services are free; leave a comment if you’re interested in learning more! (Writer’s hat goes back on…)

U—University of Illinois homeschool requirements
Simply typing “homeschool” into the U of I website’s search engine turned up a FAQ aimed at prospective students who have a homeschooling background. My guess is it’s easy to find such information for other colleges and universities.

V—Volunteering
Schools are increasingly using service learning as a powerful educational tool, and it seems like a perfect fit for homeschooling families. Here is a link to our local United Way’s information page for young volunteers. Or, consider delivering Meals on Wheels as a family—even newborns can come along for the ride. If none of these opportunities work for your gang, consider doing your own service project at home.

W—Web resources
The sky’s the limit. The Internet is an increasingly powerful educational tool for students of all ages. Consider, also, that some accredited high school and college courses can be taken online.

X—X-ray
I couldn’t resist. I mean, “x” always stands for x-ray, right? Anyhoo, here’s a link to a PBS Kids game my children find quite entertaining that involves x-raying dinosaurs.

Y—Yahoo group: Champaign-Urbana Area Homeschoolers. This group is totally free to join and can be a good way to get to know the area homeschool landscape before embarking on your journey.

Z—Zoos
Scovill Zoo in Decatur has plenty of Free Thursdays left until they close for the season on October 29th. Or, for a mere $50, your family can get a year’s worth of admission to Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, which is only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check out the great educational programming these places offer.

Rachael McMillan is a former high school teacher, social worker, cake decorator, and just about any other profession you can think of do-er. In addition to writing, tutoring, and giving talks about fair trade, she is currently staying home with the highly entertaining Jack and Kate. She is a frequent contributor to chambanamoms.com

September 1 – Already? We’ve Got It Covered

From The Editors — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:30:01 +0000

Our monthly e-newsletter came out today, full of ideas for what to do with your family this September. Each month, we send out our picks for the top 10 family-friendly events for the upcoming month. Our hope is that it will help you map out your month – print it out, clip it on your calendar, put it on the fridge – whatever works for you.

Special thanks to this month’s e-newsletter sponsor, Divine Consign.

photo by Nancee_art on flickr

Without further ado, here are our top 10 events for September. Did we miss some of your favorites? Leave them in the comments!

1. CU Folk and Roots Festival, Sept. 23-25. A campfire song session, a mainstage family show, a young performer showcase, hands-on art and music workshops, a parade and a family dance. And that’s just the beginning; many free events.

2. The Champaign County AFL-CIO Labor Day Parade, aka “The Candy Parade.” The parade gets started at 10:00 a.m. in Urbana; a Celebration Party follows at Prairie Park with food, beverages, inflatable games for the children. Don’t forget to bring a bag.

3. Orchard Days in Savoy, Sept. 17-19. Enjoy carnival rides (armbands available!), face painting, crafts, music and more.

4. 40th Annual Arcola Broom Corn Festival, Sept. 10-12. Featuring one of the best and most unique parades in Central Illinois. Free.

5. Opening Night Party, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Sept. 10. Enjoy Latin jazz, food tents, and family-friendly activities in the lobby. $5 per person.

6. Urbana Park District Jazz Walk, Sept. 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Take a stroll in Meadowbrook Park and listen to several jazz bands along the way. An annual favorite. Free!

7. Back-to-School Bash at Cakes on Walnut, Sept. 11 at 3 p.m. Stories, cupcake decorating, balloon art, and face painting.

8. Staerkel Planetarium’s Re-Opening. The revamped, upgraded facility re-opens Sept. 10, featuring a new all-ages show.

9. The Dome Theater Experience at Champaign Public Library, Sept. 25. An exciting way to learn about science in a mini-IMAX experience. Several shows for various school-age audiences; FREE!

10. Divine Consign, Sept. 23-25 at Grace Community Church, Champaign. Clean out your closets and earn some money – as well as shop till you drop without feeling guilty.

Do you want to get the chambanamoms.com e-newsletter sent directly to you? We invite you to please sign up:

Travel Back in Time at Lincoln Log Cabin

RachaelMcMillan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:05:42 +0000

By Rachael McMillan

When I was an undergrad at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, a visit from my parents meant a trip to nearby Lincoln Log Cabin. It was a good way to kill an hour before going out to eat, the alternative being staring back and forth at the Pulp Fiction and Beatles posters hung on the otherwise bare walls of my low-rent apartment. We would go to the site, glance in the windows of the closed cabin, check out the rustic farm, get back in the car, and head to Pizza Hut.

On a whim, my own family unit recently decided to take a trip to the area. Our intended destination was the Charleston-Rantoul football game—GO EAGLES!!!—but we got to town early enough to see some of the local scenery. We ate lunch at the Burger King in Mattoon, (no, not the Home of the Whopper), drove by the “castle,” and headed out of town for the obligatory run-in-run-out visit to Lincoln Log Cabin.

Sorry, Coach Carter, but we never made it to the football game.

Things have changed at the Lincoln Log Cabin site. What was once a pretty basic do-it-yourself tourist destination now features a really cool visitor’s center/museum, gift shop, and, “interpreters”—volunteers who dress and speak as if they are members of the Lincoln family in the year 1845. (At first, I was a little nervous about being approached by enthusiastic costumed folk, but I cannot begin to tell you how cool they were.)

Before our recent visit, I remembered nothing about the cabin’s connection to President Lincoln. My best guess was that maybe Abraham—pronounced “Abram” by the interpreters—stopped there once for a meal and to use the outhouse.

Clearly, the goal of the new programming is to transform the cabin and surrounding farm from a historically significant plot of land to living, breathing, history. I can now tell you who lived there (Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, Abe’s father and stepmother), and that Abraham would visit there a couple of times a year when he traveled the 8th Circuit as a lawyer.

The cabin itself is an exact replica of the original, built on the same site. The fact that it isn’t the same one Thomas and Sarah lived in kind of bothered me until I realized that, at some point, my own house will probably be a “replica” of the original. Eight years into owning it our siding, roof, and some windows are new. (Next up, flooring.)

The museum features mannequins posed as if tending to the house and farm as well as a glimpse at what a general store would have looked like. There are clothes to try on and era-appropriate toys to play with, as well as a small theatre where visitors can watch a 14-minute video acquainting them with the farm.

photos by Rachael McMillan

Neighboring Sargent Farm has been moved to the premises of the Lincoln Log Cabin site to show the contrast between the traditional type of farming the Lincolns did and more progressive farms of the day. We didn’t make it to the Sargent farm, but look forward to going back and checking it out.

The Living History Programming (i.e. interpreters) will be there until October 31st, after which—except for special events—they’ll be gone until May. Check out information about the site’s educational programming and its calendar of events. Although admission is free, there is a suggested donation of $4 per person or $10 for a family. We paid gladly, and hope to do so again soon.

What: Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
Where: Approximately eight miles south of Charleston on Highway 1420/Lincoln Highway Road.
When: Open year-round; see website for details.
How much: Admission is free, but donations are accepted and appreciated.

Best-Kept Secret: Japan House

From The Editors — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:00:49 +0000

Ed. Note: The mission of Japan House at the University of Illinois is to provide an academic, cultural, and natural setting for promoting an appreciation of Japanese culture and related Asian cultural concepts. Built around the concept of the Way of Tea, with three separate tearooms, Japan House is a center for teaching and learning about Japanese art and culture.

Japan House has been working toward its goal of cultural tolerance and respect since 1976, when it began in an old, remodeled Victorian house on the edge of campus. Ten years ago the doors to the current facility opened and the gardens were planted.

We think Japan House is one of Chambana’s best-kept secrets, and we asked assistant director Cynthia Voelkl to tell you all about it.

by Cynthia Voelkl

One of the wonderful things about Japan House is the feeling that you’re in another world when you get here, but the downside of that is that we can be hard to find tucked away as we are!

Photo courtesy of Japan House

It really is a very special place, however, both for it’s goal of increasing cultural tolerance, as well as for the spot of serenity it truly is. Unlike some of the other “houses” on campus, such as Native American House or La Casa, the role of Japan House is not to be a center for a certain ethnicity or nationality (although this sometimes happens naturally).

Instead, the main role of Japan House is to be a teaching facility. Academic classes, taught through the School of Art & Design at UIUC, are taught throughout the year, focusing on Japanese tea ceremony, ikebana and Japanese aesthetics and philosophies.

General outreach to the public is very important to us, as well. We host open houses in spring and fall, with tea ceremonies throughout the day, garden tours and always a presentation or demonstration of something related to traditional Japanese art and culture.

We also host various other performances, lectures etc. throughout the year that are generally oriented to adults. However it is a great joy to have children at Japan House!

Every spring, in early May, we hold Children’s Day, which is a traditional Japanese holiday with crafts and activities for young children. This summer we also held our first Japan House Summer Arts Camp for kids 8-12. It was a wonderful success.

Over the course of five afternoons, the children learned tea ceremony, ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), calligraphy, aikido (Japanese martial arts), the art of the kimono and haiku. It was really amazing to see how much they absorbed in a single week. On the last day they invited their parents, displaying their artwork for them and serving them tea. We were fortunate to receive funding from the United States-Japan Foundation so we were able to make it quite affordable. We very much hope to present this again next year.

The Japan House gardens are a wonderful spot. They are open from dawn to dusk (the walled tea garden is closed during winter for safety reasons), and the ponds are full of koi and turtles. We also are within the University Arboretum, so there are other gardens nearby.

For more information, sign up for email announcements of events by contacting japanhouse@illinois.edu, visit the Japan House blog, or “like” them on Facebook.

Cynthia Voelkl is a Champaign mother of two and assistant director of Japan House.

Weekly Spotlight: Our Picks for the Week(days) Ahead, Sept. 1 to Sept. 7

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:12:38 +0000

With the kids back in school and the calendar changing, most of the fun stuff happening around town occurs on the weekends. But there still are a few fun things to look forward to on weekdays, so on Tuesdays we give you our weekly spotlight where we will alert you to some events around town we think are noteworthy.

In the Spotlight:

Bilingual Storytime at Champaign Public Library
Why: The first of four special fall evening storytimes for children ages 3 to 5 years old, each month will feature a different language. Head to the Champaign Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. for Bengali Storytime.

Join in for some fun with Legos at the Savoy Recreation Center on Tuesday, Sept. 7. (Photo by oskay on flickr)

Lego Club
Why: Got some Lego-crazed kids in your house? Bring them by the Savoy Recreation Center on Tuesday, Sept. 7 from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. for some after school drop-in Lego fun. For children ages 5 to 12; $4 for Savoy residents, $6 for non-residents (per child).

Growing Up Wild – Teddy Bear Picnic
Why: Grab your favorite preschooler and head out to Lake of the Woods in Mahomet at 10 a.m. on Sept. 7. Don’t forget their favorite stuffed animal, because at this program the children will enjoy playtime “that will inspire their imaginations.” $5 per child; note registration required by September 3. If you can’t make this event at Lake of the Woods, it will be repeated at Homer Lake Forest Preserve on Sept. 10; same registration deadline applies.

Urbana Park District Free Fitness Class Week
Why: New semester – new you! Try something new or head to an old favorite. Starts Monday, Sept. 6 and goes all next week. Includes any fitness class at the Phillips Center, Brookens Gym or Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center for free (not including Tai Chi).

For more fun stuff to do in Chambana, please check out our events calendar.

Hey Summer’s Eve, Who Stinks Now?

Amy L. Hatch — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:30:50 +0000

Hey, ladies, are you under-valued at work? Feeling like you deserve a raise?

How about preparing for that big talk with your boss by making sure your lady bits are fresh and clean?

That’s what the folks at Summer’s Eve, those fine makers of female personal-hygiene products, suggest in this absolutely, positively, very, very unfortunate advertisement:

Are they kidding with this? These people are actually suggesting that being a power player in the office begins with a good, daily douching?

Yes, this is unintentionally hysterical. But it also speaks volumes about how some companies persist in perpetuating the myth that being a woman in the workplace is about appearances … and, apparently, your vajajay.

This ad ran recently in Woman’s Day, that bastion of feminism. While the magazine might not take offense, we surely do. Listen to this:

Back in the day before social media, an ad like this might have resulted in some rolled eyes before the reader turned the page to see the next brownie recipe. Companies need to pay heed now, though. Getting your brand to go viral isn’t always a good thing.

We’re not the only ones who noticed the antiquated, inappropriate ideas behind this campaign. Media Bistro takes the company to task, and according to The Consumerist, a rep for Summer’s Eve issued an apology.

Some bloggers, like Kelly Love Johnson, are asking if a company marketing to men would place a similar ad in “Men’s Health.”

“As hard as we’ve worked for equality, as hard as we’ve worked to close the wage gap, and as I did with my own book, as much as we’ve made an effort not to place blame, but to move forward and join the 21st century where men and women can be equals in the workplace, why are companies like Summer’s Eve making gaffes that not only offended millions of women, but also set our progress back,” she writes.

So, Chambanamoms, your thoughts?

Homeschool Resources, From A-Z: Part I

RachaelMcMillan — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:09:42 +0000

by Rachael McMillan

When we presented this interview with a local experienced homeschooler, we were astounded by the reaction. There is a large community of Chambana moms who are homeschooling their kids – that we knew. But what we didn’t realize is how many more of you are thinking about trying it! The following list of resources should provide some help for new as well as experienced homeschoolers, and also for those who are just considering the practice. Don’t homeschool, but still want to be a part of your child’s education? This list is for you, too!

And, as always, feel free to add on by leaving a comment below…

A—Anita Purves Nature Center
Visit the center to get some nature smarts, then apply your knowledge on a trek through the adjacent woods. You can also rent their learning kits (cost: $10 plus a $15 refundable deposit) that cover a wide range of topics and grade-leveled activities. Some other kits are free to borrow but require a deposit. Prices start at $35 for a specialist from the center to talk to a group of up to 12 students on a variety of topics.

B—The blood bank (a.k.a. Community Blood Services)
Homeschoolers are encouraged to visit the center to learn about issues related to health, the circulatory system, etc. Your kids can benefit from their educational materials, which CBC has developed in accordance with state learning standards.

C—Christian Homeschool Connections
If you’re looking to accomplish the parochial version of homeschooling, this is an option to explore. (A signed statement of faith is required to join.) The cost is $25 per family for the entire year, or $15 for half a year.

D—Discounts
Many places (museums, zoos, bookstores, etc.) that offer discounts to classroom teachers give the same benefits to home educators. Do the research before your visit; you may be entitled to some savings; the H.O.U.S.E. website has a great list.

E—Early American Museum
This Mahomet museum is free (donations are gladly accepted) and the website has a great link to educational resources. Especially worthy of checking out is the teacher resource page. Bring your students to learn all about our area ancestors!

F—First Christian Church, Champaign (indoor playground)
Homeschooling families need recess too, right? This local place of worship can help your family get its playground fix year ‘round, rain or shine. People of all faiths are welcome.

G—Garage/rummage sales
These can be a great way to get books, physical education tools/equipment, craft supplies, etc., for a fraction of store prices.

photo by joyosity on flickr

H—H.O.U.S.E.
The C-U chapter of this homeschool group meets regularly for socializing and educational enrichment. Dues are $10 per family per year. If you’re considering homeschooling, you can join just to learn more about pulling it off. Also, their website has a wealth of information about homeschool resources.

I—Illinois laws about homeschooling
This site contains a wealth of information about the legal aspects of homeschooling and may be a good starting place for families who are considering it.

J—Job laws
One of the benefits of homeschooling is that your teens don’t have to wait until 3:30 p.m. every day to start gaining some real-world work experience. Click on the link to learn more about child labor laws in the state of Illinois.

K—Krannert Center
This U of I cultural center is a great way to introduce your children to the arts. Go to its parents and educators page for more information about how your gang can get the most out of this resource.

L—Libraries
No doubt about it, our area libraries rule. Most of them have good websites, but I’ll stick with the Big Two: Champaign Public Library and the Urbana Free Library. Any homeschooling family might want to get to know these places intimately—heck, any family should, for that matter. Also, check out CPL’s homeschooling resource page.

M—Michael’s in Champaign
I learned about this by looking through the H.O.U.S.E. website: Michael’s offers art classes to homeschooling families and free use of their classrooms.

Coming Thursday: Homeschool Resources, From A-Z: Part II

Summer’s Last Gasp: Crystal Lake Park Boat Rentals

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:33:34 +0000

by Laura Weisskopf Bleill

In the past few weeks, I have gone through a mental “What To Do Before Labor Day” list. Get over to Prairie Farm and visit our favorite neighborhood turkeys, bunnies and llamas? Check (The Champaign Park District farm will be done for the summer after Labor Day). Plan an afternoon of splashing around at Sholem Aquatic Center? Pending (it also closes for the season after Labor Day). A boating outing in Urbana’s Crystal Lake Park? Finally accomplished, this weekend.

With lakes/ponds/rivers few and far between in these parts, there are very few places to rent a boat, and even fewer where it is relatively safe for the real little ones. Among the known options within a 30-mile radius: the Clinton Lake Marina (where pontoon boats are available for a large chunk of change) or rental of canoes, kayaks or tubes at Kickapoo Landing on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Those vary in price, from $18 on up.

My little sailors, getting ready to board the paddle boat at Crystal Lake Park.

We decided to go for close, easy, and inexpensive. It may not be the biggest lake, or the most scenic, but going boating on Crystal Lake in Urbana was a way for our young daughters to dip their toes in the boating waters — pun intended. Last weekend, we rented a paddle boat and did a full spin around the lake. Our little girls enjoyed the ride, helping to steer the boat and even trying to do some of the pedaling.

The highlight of riding around Crystal Lake was going under the bridges. We also had a view of all the people fishing, which amused the girls, and they loved saying hello to anyone within shouting distance. We went in the early evening, when the sun was starting to set and the heat of the day had mostly subsided. Thankfully, no one tried to jump in!

We couldn’t beat the price – we paid $9 for an hour rental, and that was for our family of four. I’m not sure at what age they are supposed to count, but they didn’t charge us for our 4-year-old. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are provided and are required to be worn by the children; there are a range of sizes from infant to adult (although the one we received for our 20-month-old was too big and she complained about it most of the time we were out on the water).

The dock with the paddle boats and rowboats at Crystal Lake in Urbana. (Photos by Laura Weisskopf Bleill)

Here’s the good news: the boat rentals are open on Saturdays and Sundays through September 19, from noon to 7 p.m. (and also on Labor Day). In addition to the paddleboats, canoes and rowboats are also available; fees range from $6 to $11 per hour. The Boat House only accepts cash or check, so be prepared; also, you must leave a valid driver’s license or major credit card is required as a deposit on all rentals.

What is on your end-of-summer checklist?

It’s Time To Stuff The Bus!

From The Editors — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:38:25 +0000

Looking for an easy way to give back to the community and get your kids involved, too?

You’re in luck: This week the United Way of Champaign County is kicking off it’s first-ever “Stuff The Bus” event, which makes it super-simple to help those in need. This week, Sept. 1-2, you can donate items like school supplies, baby formula and personal hygiene products, and all you have to do is drop them off at some local collection sites.

“We’re doing this in conjunction with our annual campaign,” says Beverley Baker, director of community impact for the United Way of Champaign County. “The goal is to raise awareness of the needs in our communuity. All you need to do is pick up an extra stick of deodorant or an extra pack of diapers while you’re out.”

The organization put together a wish list based on the needs of the 30-plus groups and programs it helps to support, and is asking residents to buy one of two of those items and drop them off at the following places, where an MTD bus — and some local celebrities — will pick them up:

Wednesday, Sept. 1:
The NewsTalk Radio WDWS Morning Show, 2301 S. Neil St., Champaign, from 7 to 9 a.m.
Christie Clinic, downtown Champaign, noon to 2 p.m.
Jupiters at the Crossing, 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 2:
The WCIA Morning Show, 509 S. Neil Street, Champaign, from 6 to 9 a.m.

The event is also a great way to get your kids involved. Just ask them to choose a few items on the list, and explain to them why you’re buying them.

If you can’t make it out to meet the bus, you can also drop items on the list at the following locations:

Busey Bank (Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul, St. Joseph & Mahomet locations)
Carle Clinic (South Clinic, Curtis Road Clinic, Windsor Road Clinic locations)
Carle Foundation Hospital Breezeway, Christie Clinic (Champaign, Rantoul & Mahomet locations)
Community Service Center of NCC-Rantoul
Family Video Rantoul, First Bank of Rantoul
First Federal Savings and Loan
First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust (Champaign, Urbana, Rural King & Mahomet locations)
Mahomet IGA Store
Mahomet Public Library
Martin, Hood, Friese & Associates
Provena Covenant Medical Center
Rantoul Chamber of Commerce
Rantoul Fitness Forum
Rantoul Public Library
Rantoul Recreation Department
Rantoul Youth Center
Schnucks Store-Savoy
Village of Rantoul

To download a printable PDF of the list, and for more information, visit the United Way of Champaign County website.