Eldorado's Marilyn McGill named Chamber Citizen of the Year
SALINE COUNTY - The Saline County Chamber of Commerce named Marilyn McGill of Eldorado its "Citizen of the Year" for her volunteer work providing classroom materials and items to Saline County teachers at the Chamber's annual banquet Thursday evening.
McGill was unable to attend the banquet, but provided a statement describing how she helps area teachers and how others may help her program, named "Because We Care."
"First of all, I would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for this most unexpected honor. I was happy to be invited to talk to the board members and mingle with business owners to promote my passion, 'Because We Care' Unfortunately, due to the passing of a very dear friend whose daughter grew up in our home, my heart told me I needed to be at the visitation to support her. This honor means a great deal to me. There is nothing better than receiving an honor for doing something that makes your heart happy," McGill stated.
"I would like to tell you a little bit about Because We Care. Because We Care was started to help Saline County public school teachers with needs for their classrooms throughout the school year. It began in July of 2017 and is used more and more each school year. I was watching the news at noon and the news anchor was showing a list of all of the places where the students could get backpacks full of school supplies. I think that is a wonderful program and have helped with that cause. Being the mother of two daughters who are educators, I know firsthand how much money teachers spend out of pocket. It is staggering. I helped my girls for over 25 years with the things they needed in their classrooms and still help but my girls do not benefit from Because We Care. I thought, why not start a program, funded solely through donations, to help our teachers with things they need to enhance the learning experience for their students. My daughter made a Web page for me and I got on and asked for donations. The first year the donations came in, I was thrilled. I hoped if I could help even a dozen teachers, I would feel like I had achieved success. Well, I filled close to 75 orders the first year. The requests were coming in throughout the year and I had to get on my Web page and ask several times for donations. With the help of the wonderful donors, I have filled close to 300 orders for teachers all through the county."
McGill's statement also included a partial list of some of the many supplies and materials "Because We Care!" has provided to teachers and classrooms in the county. McGill said about 75 percent of what she purchases is purchased in Saline County. The other items have been specialty materials that are available only out-of-county, she said.
She said she has received numerous thank-you cards from students and teachers, plus photos from teachers of students using requested items. McGill hand-delivers all of the supplies she provides.
She also said anyone wishing to donate may send checks payable to Because We Care and mail them to Marilyn McGill, 455 Doc Rd., Eldorado, IL 62930, or you can make a donation at any People's National Bank into the Because We Care account. McGill thanks all of our donors on her webpage. She said she has donors who have supported the program from Arizona, Michigan, Tennessee, Missouri and all over Illinois.
Incoming Chamber President Jonathan Russell spoke to the group of about 300 representing businesses large and small throughout the county following remarks by outgoing President Jessica Stephens.
"I want to thank you for selecting me as President of the Chamber of Commerce for 2020. I consider this a great honor and promise to do my best in serving you," Russell said. "I am excited about this new year and must give much credit to Jessica Stephens for setting us up on a path for success. I believe one of the strengths of our Chamber board is its dynamics in rotating directors each year. Each board has brought with them a fresh perspectives and new ideas. The directors who have just joined are going to be amazing and by joining forces with our seasoned directors, we will have a great year. I am also happy to work with our associate director, Alex Watkins. He is proving to be a great asset."
Russell said being an active chamber member offers excellent networking opportunities, as well as other benefits.
He also outlined his goals for the coming year.
"We will be focusing on the strengths and offerings of products and services our members provide and connecting them to the public. We will promote our members through business-of-the-week spotlights, ribbons cuttings, our newsletters and a greater presence on social and other medias," he said. "Our new, improved website is up and going and we are continuing to make it better. We also have some great nonprofit organizations as members and want to help them reach their goals. Our local media is always supportive of the chamber. Our business of the week spotlights on WEBQ are greatly appreciated and our coverage in the Harrisburg Register, WSIL and SI Dollar Saver help complete our reach into the community."
Russell said the Chamber is planning new events to showcase all of Saline County's communities, and is planning more workshops to help members improve and grow. He also said he plans to work more closely with various levels of government within Saline County to see how to better benefit the area.
He ended with a call for bringing more economic progress to the county.
"In closing, I want you to realize the value of being an active member of the chamber and how it can help you reach your goals. We also have much to do in Saline County and being a part of the Chamber can help us move our area forward," Russell said. "I look forward to working with this fantastic board this board this year. I am asking everyone here to get more involved and help us to not only grow business but to improve Saline County."