Drops in the bucket do help: News about Mississippi River flood damage has nearly dried up, but the devastation has not been forgotten by some Lake Forest merchants and Highland Park High School staff members.
Spurred by local children’s shop owner Fran Hansen, more than 60 Lake Forest businesses are adding a Salvation Army red kettle to their usual fall and winter holiday displays.
The merchants, who decided to focus their efforts on one Illinois region, hope to send at least $18,000 to Quincy.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sally Danielson, who is coordinating business, city and Salvation Army efforts to run through Jan. 2, said, “I hope we can keep the enthusiasm (to help) that was there this summer.”
Highland Park High School theater department director Scott Shallenbarger’s students mounted an evening of scenes and monologues, raising $750. “We wanted them to use their passion in a way that would tangibly help other people,” Shallenbarger said.