Excerpt from Community Connections a newsletter of the

Illinois Coalition for Community Services. September 2004 Issue

(Volume 7 Number 3)

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Summer in Zeigler Just Got Better

In towns like Zeigler, where nearly 60% of the children receive a free lunch during the school year, summer is a time of hunger to many students. This year, ICCS saw the need and helped set up Zeigler's first summer food program, centrally located on the main circle in the town, and designed to create a flow of events for the children in the community all summer long.

The Zeigler Civic Alive (ZCAL) committee, concerned community members, thought out the initial scope of the summer food program. Their overall goal was to make Zeigler a better place to live, work and play. With the assistance of nine volunteers, one paid cook, and Mayor Dennis Mitchell, the committee developed a schedule for the summer that would keep the children off the streets.

First, the children ate lunch at the Six-Mile Township building, then they went to the summer reading program at the Zeigler Library. They ended their day at ball practice. All of these events were in walking distance from one another, allowing kids easy access and, thus, improving attendance. Over 2000 meals were served to Zeigler children this summer, allowing for increased numbers at the Zeigler Library's reading program.

The summer food program was a great success, bridging the gap between school's end, and the new school year beginning. However , it would have never been successful had it not been for the overwhelming response of volunteers and contributors in the community. Allan Patton recruited volunteers in the community, and created a schedule for each person on a specific day of the week. Volunteers prepared lunches, cleaned, and donated a dumpster and storage cabinets. Others donated freezers, food warmers, and milk coolers. Some even loaned their person cooking utensils and appliances. Thanks to everyone in the Zeigler community who helped make this summer a great one for the kids!.

Summer Free Lunch Program (CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS)

Note: In 2004 the ICCS served over 14, 895 Summer Lunches in eleven communities in representing nine counties in Illinos and Zeigler was fortunate to be able to serve our community over 2000 of those 14,895. Assistance from the ICCS, City of Zeigler and volunteers and business supporters; Zeigler will always come out a winner.

Note by Larry Christy, Chairman of Zeigler Civic ALive Action Group (ZCAL)

Contact Information for ICCS, Illinois Coalition for Community Services

State:

ICCS

510 Apple Orchard Road, Suite 100

Springfield, IL 62703

800-728-1523

Herrin Office/Black Diamond Area Project

618-942-7500  CDS - Pedro Delgado

Zeigler Civic ALive Action Group (ZCAL)

City Hall

301 Church Street

Zeigler, IL 62999

618-596-3761

Many of the pictures on this site are located on books
and CD's located on the Zeigler's Memorabilia page

Thanks to those who have contributed pictures and memorabilia that is viewed on this site.  

Thanks to those who have contributed pictures and memorabilia that is viewed on this site.

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