Naperville News Digest: Nearly 3,000 asylum seekers pass through DuPage County; Children’s clothing drive continues through end of January; Will County picnic and camping permits now on sale

Nearly 3,000 asylum seekers pass through DuPage County

Nearly 3,000 men, women and children seeking asylum in the U.S. have passed through DuPage County since mid-December, including six buses that stopped at Naperville train stations, according to the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Officials reported that since Dec. 14, 72 buses containing 2,988 passengers arrived at train stations throughout DuPage County. This includes 12 buses each that stopped in Wheaton and Hinsdale, eight buses in both Downers Grove and Elmhurst, six buses in Naperville and three in Aurora, among other communities.

The county’s homeland security and office is working to ensure asylum seekers arriving on out-of-state buses and planes and dropped off at local train stations are then transported to the “landing zone” in Chicago, which is the only designated spot in Illinois to receive them, a county news release said.

“Since mid-December, DuPage County has been coordinating and assuring the safe passage for asylum seekers dropped off in our communities,” County Board Chair Deborah Conroy said in the release. “Our goal remains to provide a secure and smooth transition for these new arrivals after they have traveled such great distances.”

Residents who would like to assist migrants by donating food, clothing or small household items can go to chicago.gov/support.

Children’s clothing drive continues through end of January

Warm clothing and winter coats for children up to age 12 can be donated at the Fort Hill Activity Center daily through the end of January.

The clothing drive is being orchestrated by Naperville Park District and Cradles to Crayons to benefit Chicago-area children. Drop-off hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays at the center, 20 Fort Hill Drive.

Cradles to Crayons provides children who are homeless or living in poverty with clothing and other essential items. It accepts clothing, coats, new socks, underwear and pajamas, shoes, school supplies, hygiene items and unopened diapers and wipes. Among its most needed items are gloves, coats, pajamas, diapers and underwear.

It is not able to accept toys, furniture, car seats, stuffed animals, used sports equipment, bikes and electronics. The group also does not accept bathing suits, costumes, used underwear, socks or hygiene products, or books or clothing that have religious, holiday-related or family-related messages.

For more information, go to www.cradlestocrayons.org.

Will County picnic and camping permits now on sale

Permits for picnicking and camping in Will County forest preserves are now on sale by the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Permits are available online at www.reconnectwithnature.org or can be purchased in person as several district locations, including Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet and Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township.

Any gathering of 25 people or more at a preserve or visitor center must obtain a permit, district officials said. Smaller gatherings can get a permit for use of one of more than 30 forest preserve shelter locations.

Tent camping is allowed in areas of Forked Creek Preserve in Wesley Township, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete Township, Hammel Woods in Shorewood, McKinley Woods in Channahon and Messenger Woods Nature Preserve in Homer Township.

A permit must be obtained at least two business days before the reservation.

KidsMatter/park district Community Job Fair on Saturday

The annual Community Job Fair, co-hosted by the Naperville Park District and KidsMatter, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive.

Naperville-area business and the park district are seeking to fill full- and part-time positions, seasonal jobs and summer internships. Participants can also have their resume reviewed, participate in mock interviews, receive financial literacy help and visit with experts.

The free job fair is for those 15 and older. No registration is needed.

For more information, go to www.kidsmatter2us.org.