Dear editor,

The Rochelle Community Action Network (CAN) would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Rochelle community for their continued loyalty in supporting the CAN Children’s Christmas Shopping Trip. This year, because of the generosity of local individuals, civic groups, businesses and community groups, we were able to provide a $75 gift card for approximately 225 Rochelle children. Along with our donated used coats, again this year we were able to buy new coats through Operation Warm Coats. 

Again this year, we celebrated the season by providing a spaghetti dinner and a fresh salad with local produce. Thank you, Alfano’s Pizza and Mighty Vine Tomatoes for the donations that created a healthy family dinner.

Lee/Ogle Transportation System provided a fun and safe shuttle service for our children and the adult shoppers. Thank you LOTS for a successful event.

It is wonderful to see those who had enough provide for those who did not. This is the community spirit of Rochelle! We could not offer this program without the generous commitment of financial support and volunteers who make it possible.  Thank you all for your giving spirit. You have made Christmas brighter for many Rochelle children.

Special thanks to: Walmart, Hub City Cruisers, City of Rochelle,

Lee/Ogle Transportation System – LOTS, CAN Elves Gwen Marie, Sandy Mace & Lisa Andrews, Joy Phillips, Casey Farms, Rochelle Chiropractic Clinic, Joanne Mayes, T-Byrd Lanes, Shane Huber State Farm, Steve and Mary Merema, Richard and Marilyn Overby,    Helen Worley, Harold and Bettie Helm, Dennis and Kathy Connor,         Cheri McGee, David Hakanson, Arlen and Barbara Harms, Shirley Lemar, Jon Bieck, Karen and Daniel Goff, Susan Barkman, Jo Ann and David Orr, Lloyd Ackland, Tim and Karen Cech, Susan Sawicki, Ronald and Gail Schabacker, Roger and Carol Hayenga, Robert and Janice Aubry, Wendy Horn, Carol Stockton Pluemer, Joe and Dawn Peters, Dale Meyers, Paul Lower, Bart and Laurie Pillen, Marilyn Johnson, Linda Whitener, Nancy Henna, Robert and Jeri Johns, Lynette Burch, Kris Pierce, Kiwanis Golden K, Donna Shaw, Terry and Jacqueline Dickow, Holcomb Bank, Brian and Dawn Johnson, Judith Connolly, Central Bank, Gloria and Craig Rand, Kathy Pfeiffer, Jerry and Eva Medine, Carol Elliot, First State Bank, James and Linda Crouch, Rochelle Lions Club, Jim Hart, Anderson Plumbing and Heating, Friendly Society, Linda Ohlinger, Jimmy and Paula Combs, Dale and Patricia Carroll, Ed Rice, Sam Graber Insurance, Debbie and Kevin Howard, Pat Burch, Rochelle Rotary Club, Al and Holli Duthie, and Faith Lutheran Church.

Most sincerely,

Rochelle CAN Board

President Michelle Pease, Vice President Eva Chu, Treasurer Mike Dale, Secretary Connie Avery, Director Pat Burch and Director Kristin Bigelow.