Wilcox Fall Events Calendar Includes Senior Expo and Veterans Appreciation Event
Event season is winding down, but I have a few more events coming up that will round out my public outreach calendar for the year.
This Wednesday, on October 14, I am co-hosting a comprehensive Senior Expo in Crystal Lake. Over 30 agencies and non-profits that cater to the needs of seniors will all be under one roof for this annual event. In addition to the vendor tables, a variety of free services and healthcare screenings will also be available.
Then, later in the month on October 24, I am co-hosting a Veterans Appreciation Luncheon ad Expo in Lake Zurich with my Senate colleague, Senator Darby Hills.
The Expo will provide a reliable place where area veterans and their families can make connections and receive information on many different types of veterans’ programs and resources. This will be followed by a ceremony and a complimentary lunch. Those who are interested in attending the veterans’ event are asked to RSVP by phone at 224-662-4544 or via email at bomalleywest@sgop.ilga.gov.
I am also excited about my upcoming Youth Advisory Council, scheduled for October 27 in Lake Villa. High School students from across the 32nd District are recommended for the program by teachers and counselors at their respective schools, and I am always impressed with the students that attend. If you have a high school student who would be interested in learning more about state government and potential career paths in the public sector, have them contact their school counselor and ask to be recommended.
Wilcox Invites Community to Support Toys for Tots Through Local Collection Efforts
Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the excitement and joy of the holiday season, but for families facing financial challenges, providing gifts can be difficult. Toys for Tots gives all of us an opportunity to help make the holidays a little brighter for children in our communities.
This year I am once again partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves’ Toys for Tots campaign, opening my district office as a local collection site for new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children throughout the region this holiday season.
In an effort to boost donations further, on October 17, I am partnering with Walmart for a toy donation blitz at the Johnsburg Walmart location. Community members are encouraged to stop by and donate a new, unwrapped toy during the event.
Johnsburg Walmart Toy Collection Blitz
Saturday, Oct. 17
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
3801 Running Brook Farm Blvd.
Johnsburg, IL
Those who wish to participate but cannot attend the October 17 Walmart event can drop off new, unwrapped toys at my legislative office in Woodstock. Toys will be picked up from the legislative office at the beginning of December.
2026 Toys for Tots Collection
Senator Craig Wilcox’s District Office
209 North Benton Street
Woodstock, IL
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Local Toys for Tots campaigns are conducted annually in more than 800 communities across all 50 states. Each community campaign is coordinated by a Marine, a member of a Marine Corps League Detachment or a designated member of the local community. Following collection, toys are distributed with the assistance of social service agencies, churches and other community organizations to children who might otherwise go without a gift during the holidays.
Senate Republicans Highlight Domestic Violence Protections During Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I am joining my Senate Republican colleagues in renewing our call to pass legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims, addressing repeat abuse, and holding offenders accountable.
According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 101 people died in domestic violence-related incidents across Illinois in 2025. The continued loss of life highlights the importance of preventing violence and protecting victims.
Earlier this year, I signed on as a co-sponsor of a package of four bills focused on improving victim safety and addressing gaps in Illinois law.
Senate Bill 3139 would change pretrial release standards for certain domestic violence offenses and violations of protective orders by requiring defendants to demonstrate that their release would not pose a threat to others. Senate Bill 3141 would encourage stronger minimum jail penalties for violations of protective orders, while Senate Bill 3142 would increase penalties for offenders with certain prior protective order violations. Finally, Senate Bill 3140 would increase the criminal penalties for violating an order of protection.
Together, the proposals seek to strengthen accountability, address repeat offenses, and give victims additional opportunities to seek safety, assistance, and other support services. Protecting victims of domestic violence must remain a priority throughout the year, not just during October, and that Illinois must continue working to prevent abuse from escalating into tragedy.
Submit Info for Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display by November 6
In recognition of the brave men and women who have served our nation, the Senate Republican Caucus is once again hosting its annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor, giving families across Illinois an opportunity to pay tribute to loved ones who have served in the U.S. military.
The display will be featured in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda from November 7 through November 19 and will include a video tribute featuring photos and stories of Illinois veterans.
Senate Republicans are encouraging friends and family members to submit a photo and written story of up to 250 words, along with the veteran’s name, military branch and conflict or era of service. Military photos are preferred but are not required.
Submissions should be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by November 6 to be included in the Veterans Day display. Submissions may also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 309 G Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
October Marks Manufacturing Month
October is recognized as Manufacturing Month, providing an opportunity to highlight Illinois’ manufacturing history and the industry’s significant role in the state’s economy.
According to the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), manufacturing employs more than 660,000 men and women across Illinois and generates an annual economic impact of more than $580 billion.
Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Illinois’ economy and continues to be an important source of jobs, investment and economic growth across the state.
As part of Manufacturing Month, the IMA and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) have launched their annual “Makers on the Move” bus tour, which travels across Illinois to visit manufacturing facilities, educational institutions and community centers while highlighting the industry’s contributions to local communities and the state economy.
Now in its fifth year, the statewide tour will make 30 stops, beginning in Decatur.
To learn more about the “Makers on the Move” bus tour, click here.