Those who spent Wednesday shoveling out their driveways might not be ready for the idea of more winter activities.
But since their is at least six weeks of it left — no matter what Punxsutawney Phil may or may not have seen — residents are invited to enjoy the winter outdoors, help the Elgin Community Crisis Center, see acrobats and have a meal with their neighbors, too.
Residents are invited to a special City Skate from noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at Elgin’s ice rink, located between City Hall and The Hemmens. The City Skate event is being held in conjunction with the second-annual Have a Heart Dinner, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hemmens Cultural Center.
Anyone who donates either diapers or formula for the Crisis Center will receive free skate rental and a 10 percent discount to the Golden Dragon Acrobats performances at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday. Those that purchase Golden Dragon tickets also receive a discount to the Elgin Public House that night.
The discounted tickets may also be purchased at the Hemmens box office during normal business hours to anyone who donates.
The crisis center asks for powered formula and large-size diapers.
Two skating demonstrations, set for 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., will feature skaters from the Leafs Ice Centre in West Dundee. The Crisis Center will have concessions available during the skating event.
The Have a Heart Dinner invites Elgin residents from all walks of life to come out and have a meal with their neighbors, said Jeff Turner of In the Neighborhood Deli. This is the second year that he’s organized the event.
More donations are needed to make the Have a Heart Dinner successful, Turner said. While Elgin residents have been consistently generous in supporting the four community dinners he’s organized, some miscommunication put him behind the eight-ball for the Valentines Day-themed event.
Donations may be dropped off or sent to In The Neighborhood Deli, 185 N. Edison Ave. Elgin, IL 60123. Checks should be made payable to the Elgin Community Network with HAH in the memo.
Volunteers are also needed for three shifts throughout the day. Those who would like to volunteer are asked to contact Turner at 847-888-9486 or itndeli@gmail.com.
For more information on the City Skate Event, contact Janelle Walker at 847-404-3482.