Dear Editor,
The Rochelle Community Action Network 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 to Alfano’s Pizza, Mighty Vine Tomatoes, Aldi Employees and Big R for the donations that created a healthy family dinner. Hub City Cruisers also provided toys to be handed out at the event.
Again this year, the Lee/Ogle Transportation System provided a fun and safe shuttle service for our children and the adult shoppers. Thank you LOTS for assisting with another successful year.

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, Big R, Hub City Cruisers, Aldi Employees, Alfano’s, Lee-Ogle Transportation System (LOTS), CAN Elves - Gwen Marie, Sandy Mace, Sandy Moellering and Sandy Mannel, Richard and Marily Overby, Joe and Dawn Peters, David and Catherine Hakanson, Debbie and Kevin Howard, LJ, Galdys and Donna Tastad, Rochelle Lions Club, Jon and Carolyn Bieck, Dennis and Kathy Connor, Paul Lower, Joanne Mayes, Dean Cater, Rochelle Hospital, Susan Barkman, Sue Sawicki, T-Byrd Lanes, Paul and Judith Stravakas, Shirley Lemar, Huber Insurance & Financial Services, Dawn and Brian Cardott, Everette and Mary Jo Moreland, Kim Montgomery, Dennis and Magdalene Barringer, Silgan Containers, Nancy Henna, First State Bank, Arlen and Barbara Harms, Jerry and Eva Medine, Harold and Bettie, Evelyn Hintzsche, Rosemary and Loren Edwards, Steven and Mary Merema, Thomas and Debra Kersten, Rochelle Chiropractic (Chad Piller), Sam Graber Insurance, Donna Shaw, Joann and David Orr, Katherine Pfeiffer, Pat Burch, Terry and Jacqueline Dickow, Kris Pierce and Alderk’s tire, Ronald and Gail Schabacker, Leroy and Dorine Shoemaker, Carol and John Pluemer, Robert and Jeri Johns, Kiwanis Golden K, Lela Carolyn Ackland Trust, Spinner and Karen Hayden, Hayden Real Estate, Ed Rice, Holcomb Bank, Teri Schaefer Insurance and Financial Services, Clarence and Jean Mactaggart, James and Linda Crouch, Rochelle Service Club, Tim and Karen Cech, Lyle and Joan Hayes, Dale Meyers Construction, Lynette Burch, Jimmy and Paula Combs, Patricia Casey, Linda Whitener, Friendly Society, Walmart Grant, Jay Phillips, Connie Rivera, Rochelle Rotary Club, Marilyn Johnson, Cheri McGee, Robert and Carol Elliot, Central Bank, DeWaine and Tammy Svela, Al and Holli Duthie, Harvey and Mary Folkerts and RTHS student council.
Most sincerely,
Michelle Pease, CAN president
Eva Chu, CAN vice president
Mike Dale, CAN treasurer
Connie Avery, CAN secretary
Pat Burch, CAN director