I hope you are staying cool this August! Despite the hot weather, my office and I have been at events throughout the district. We have been speaking at community meetings, and catching up with folks at various events, from the Dearborn Garden Walk in Gold Coast to the Small Business Advocacy Panel at DePaul University in Lincoln Park.
Between our upcoming summer shred event and our back-school supply drive with DCFS, we are not slowing down anytime soon. Please read below for government updates, community events, and more.
Team Croke Events
Summer Shred Event
In partnership with Senator Feigenholtz, Commissioner Degnen, Sheriff Dart, and Alderman Knudsen, we are hosting a Summer Shred event at the Peggy Notebaert Museum (2420 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago) on Saturday, August 8th from 10AM to 1PM. Each household will be limited to two boxes/containers. If you have questions, email info@repcroke.com or call (773)348-8974.
Back-to-School Supplies Drive
In partnership with Senator Feigenholtz, Alderman Lawson, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), we are hosting a Back-to-School Supplies Drive to support youth in DCFS care. The community is invited to donate the items above to help ensure that every student has the tools they need for a successful school year. New or gently used items are preferred. For questions, email info@repcroke.com or call (773)348-8974.
In the Community
LCA Carnival Summer Block Party
Team Croke had a fantastic time tabling at the Lincoln Central Neighborhood Association’s (LCA) annual summer block party. It was wonderful to connect with so many neighbors enjoying the games, food, and magic show. Thank you to LCA for having us!
Charitable Trust Grant Program Press Conference
Team Croke was proud to join Treasurer Frerichs to announce $20,000 in funding for Care for Friends, a Fall 2025 Recipient of the Charitable Trust Grant. Care for Friends provides housing, healthcare, and food services to our neighbors right here in the 12th District. We are fortunate to have such an incredible organization benefiting our community.
Dearborn Garden Walk
The North Dearborn Association (NDA) held its 66th garden walk and Team Croke volunteered as garden greeters. We had a wonderful time learning more about the architecture and history of the Gold Coast Neighborhood.
Block Parties
Team Croke has been attending block parties throughout the district. With plenty of food, tunes, and a great bouncy house, block parties are always a summer highlight!
NCSL Legislative Summit
Team Croke had a productive day at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit. They had the chance to connect with experts and district staff from other states to talk about today’s most pressing issues and bring some fresh skills to the district office.
SBAC Young Professional’s Council Panel
I spoke at the Small Business Advocacy Council’s (SBAC) Young Professionals Group (YPG) alongside Alderman Knudsen and Alderman Burnett. Hosted at DePaul University, I shared insights about my journey into public service and how young professionals can get engaged in both state and local politics. Thank you to SBAC and DePaul for hosting this great event!
Government Updates
Illinois Department of Revenue
The Illinois Department of Revenue is helping families get ready for the upcoming school with a Back-to-School Tax Holiday from August 7, 2026, through August 16, 2026. During this time, consumers will pay a significantly reduced state sales tax rate of 1.25% on qualifying clothing, shoes, and school supplies. To learn more, click here.
Illinois State Treasurer
The Illinois Treasurer’s office is currently safeguarding over $5 billion in unclaimed funds. These assets are held indefinitely until they are claimed by the original owners or their heirs. Click here today to see if you have property waiting for you. Claims are always processed free of charge with proper identification.
Illinois Department of Human Services
Illinois SNAP customers who lost their benefits can find out if they qualify for an exemption or how to regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program by clicking here.
Illinois Secretary of State
Micromobility legislation, supported by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, passed the General Assembly. This new framework aims to create clear, modern safety guidelines for high-speed e-bikes, e-motos, and other electronic transportation devices. To learn more, click here.
Grant Opportunities
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a variety of grants available to support members of the community.
SBIR/STTR Match Program
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are competitive federal grant programs that provide funding opportunities for small businesses to perform research and development (R&D) on technology of interest to federal agencies. Both projects provide funding to explore the potential of high-tech products and encourage commercialization of those products.
- Deadline: June 30, 2027
- For more information, click here.
- Contact: Jamie Gladfelter (CEO.SBIR@illinois.gov)
Federal Grant Support Program – Round 2
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO)’s Federal Grant Support Program will make $16.9 million available to Illinois-based proposals seeking competitive federal grants. This match program will encourage more applicants to apply for federal grant opportunities, provide critical assistance to meet the minimum match eligibility requirements, increase the competitiveness of applications, and provide the State of Illinois with an opportunity to make a firm commitment and demonstration of support for projects that are well aligned with the State’s economic development goals and priorities.
- Deadline: Rolling
- For more information, click here.
- Contact: Chad Phillips (CEO.FedGrantMatch@illinois.gov)
Community Events
YMCA Free Teen Memberships
The YMCA is giving away free August memberships to Chicago teens ages 12-18. Register in person at one of the city YMCA locations and enjoy the Y all summer long. To learn more, click here.
Pitch In @ Oz Park
Lincoln Park High School Friends of Oz Park is hosting a variety of volunteer days to clean up Oz Park until Sunday, August 23rd and are happening at multiple times throughout the day. To volunteer, click here.
National Night Out
The 19th District Police Department will be hosting their National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4th from 5:30pm to 8pm at Clarendon Park. National Night Out is a nationwide positive loitering event that brings the community and law enforcement officials together for a fun evening of entertainment, games, free food, and community building. Meet the officers that patrol your neighborhood. If you have any questions, please contact the 19th District CAPS Office at 312-744-0064.
National Night Out
National Night Out for the 1st and 18th District Police Departments will be on Tuesday, August 4th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm just outside of Soldier Field in the Stadium Green. If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS office at 312-742-5870.
Northalsted Market Days
Northalsted Market Days is a weekend-long, live music street festival taking place August 7th to the 9th, celebrating community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted/Lakeview neighborhood. The festival is free, but donations are suggested to support non-profits & community programs like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks. The festival will open on Friday at 5:00pm, and will run Saturday and Sunday 11:00am to 10:00pm. To learn more, click here.
Ginza Holiday Festival
A longtime Old Town tradition returns August 7th to the 9th. Ginza Holiday Festival, hosted by Midwest Buddhist Temple, is Chicago’s annual Japanese cultural and food festival. Located in the historic Old Town neighborhood, the festival features traditional performances, artisan crafts, and grilled chicken teriyaki. For more information, click here.
Chicago Air and Water Show
On August 15th and 16th, the Chicago Air and Water show returns as the largest free-admission water and air show in the nation. The spectacle can be viewed along the waterfront, with North Avenue Beach being one of the most popular spots. To learn more, click here.
Dine Out on Broadway
On August 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, Broadway Street will be shut down from traffic and transformed into a patio heaven for Dine Out on Broadway. Support local businesses and make sure to book reservations in advance since tables fill up quickly!
Bingo at the Triangle Center
Join the Old Town Triangle Association on Sunday, August 23rd at 5:00pm for an evening of bingo at the Old Town Triangle Center! Get together with friends and neighbors for games of four-across, cover-all, and more, featuring live piano accompaniment by Phil Graff. Registration for this event is not required but is encouraged. To register, click here.
Lincoln Park Health and Wellness Weekend
Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting free classes at Lincoln Common on August 29th and August 30th. Local businesses specializing in health and wellness will also be featured throughout the weekend. The full schedule of activities and classes will be announced soon. To learn more, click here.
Resources
Know Your Rights
Understanding your rights is vital for all individuals in the United States. The information above provides helpful guidance for encounters with ICE. For further support and resources, visit the National Immigrant Justice Center’s Legal Deportation Assistance website or Organized Communities Against Deportations’ Resource Guide.
Crisis Assistance Response & Engagement Program (CARE)
CARE is now operating in all 77 community areas of Chicago. The CARE team provides specialized 911 responses for mental health crises. Available weekdays from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, these behavioral health professionals offer de-escalation, assessments, referrals, and transport. To ensure ongoing support, the team conducts follow-up checks at 1, 7, and 30 days. To learn more, click here.
Extreme Heat Protocol
August is Chicago’s warmest month, so taking care of yourself and your neighbors is critically important. Please see the graphic above for helpful information regarding extreme heat, recognizing heat illness, and staying cool.
Thunderstorm Safety
As we’re in the midst of storm season, being prepared is key. Please see the graphic above for helpful information regarding upcoming thunderstorms, safety protocols, and what to expect. Stay weather-aware, stay indoors, and keep your devices charged!
Nonprofit Shoutout of the Month
Tutoring Chicago
Tutoring Chicago (2145 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614) provides individualized tutoring and programs for 1st-12th grade students facing financial barriers with the guidance and support of a community of dedicated volunteers. Established in 1965, Tutoring Chicago is the largest after school tutoring program offering consistent long-term pairings of students and volunteers in the Chicagoland area.
For more information on enrollment, volunteering opportunities, and events, click here.
PAWS Shoutout
We have a PAWS shoutout for August: Meet Taffy!
Meet Taffy, an incredibly smart girl who is looking for her forever home. At 3-years-old, Taffy knows and loves to practice cues like “sit”, “down”, and “stay”. She is full of energy and loves to run and play during the day. Busy neighborhoods can be overwhelming for Taffy, so she is looking for a home with a fenced-in yard in a quiet neighborhood where she can feel comfortable and safe.
Taffy is available for adoption at PAWS Chicago’s Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center, located at 1997 N. Clybourn Avenue. Click here and make your adoption appointment today!
Wishing you a safe and healthy August! Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns. We’re always here to help!
Copyright (C) 2026 State Representative Margaret Croke. All rights reserved.