Recovery events planned for late summer and fall

PARIS—The Edgar County Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care Council has announced a series of late summer and fall events aimed at supporting individuals in addiction recovery, collecting essential supplies and honoring community members lost to overdose.

The initiatives are funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.

Supply drive underway

The council is currently hosting a monthlong community supply drive titled "Pack the Backpack for a Better Future," which runs through Aug. 20. The drive aims to collect essential items for individuals starting over.

Requested donations include wet wipes, sunscreen, water bottles, cooling towels, granola bars, crackers, tuna packs, tampons, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, bug spray, flashlights, ponchos and small tarps.

Drop-off locations in Paris include:

•Health Department: 502 Shaw St.

•Dollar General: 211 S. Main St.

•First Baptist Church: 201 S. Central

•Lake Ridge Christian Church: 122 E. Steidl Road

Those with questions or interest in assisting can contact recovery navigators Jessica Parrill at 217-549-7654 or James Sanders at 217-254-7187.

Overdose awareness vigil scheduled

On Aug. 31, the council will host its 3rd Annual Candlelight Vigil for Overdose Awareness. The event will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. at New Beginnings Church, 526 Clay St. in Paris.

The vigil will feature guest speakers, a candle-lighting ceremony and community support resources. Organizers ask attendees to bring lawn chairs.

Community members may bring a photo for the memorial table or email photos in advance to nickih@hourhouserecovery.org.

Wellness walk and picnic set for September

The council will cap off its slate of events with a Community Wellness Walk & Recovery Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Twin Lakes Park. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The wellness walk is open to all ages and fitness levels. The accompanying picnic will offer food, music, resource tables and family activities in a supportive environment.

Organizers are seeking volunteers, resource table participants and donations, including food, bottled water, paper products, hygiene kits, gift cards and monetary contributions.

To donate or get involved, contact Michelle Creech at 217-465-4118 ext. 1266 or michelle.creech@hrcec.org, or Nicki Hanks at 217-549-7599 or nickih@hourhouserecovery.org.

Additional details are available online at hourhouserecovery.org.