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What is a ‘Cozy Call to Action’ at the United Church of Tilton?

It may be summertime, but church members are thinking ahead about the colder winter months.

The church, 520 W. Fifth St., Tilton, is hosting an event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for people to bring warm clothes, including coats, hats, gloves, boots, blankets and deodorant for local middle-school students, to help those in the community stay warm all winter long. Those wanting to donate items can drive through, and they’ll unload the items for you.

Church members thank the community for their generosity and support.

Did the Danville High School automotive technology classes recently receive a new vehicle?

What started as a “wish” sent to the Danville Public School Foundation turned into an opportunity for the students in the automotive technology program at the high school.

Automotive technology teacher Michael Ladd never expected his classroom wish could become a reality.

“At the Danville Public School Foundation, I have learned that teachers always have a wish list for their classrooms,” said DPSF Executive Director Stephanie Yates. “I have also learned they are often hesitant to ask for what they need. If teachers don’t submit ideas to DPSF, then we need to get creative in collecting them.”

At the start of the last school year, during District 118’s Teacher Institute Day at the high school, the foundation set up a Wish Table to gather ideas. In exchange for a Hershey bar, teachers and teachers’ assistants were invited to share their classroom wishes. Many innovative ideas became real-life classroom projects from wishes collected that day — one of those being a request for a new vehicle for Ladd’s classes.

After reviewing submissions, DPSF followed up with many teachers, including Ladd, encouraging them to complete an online endowment request. The foundation worked closely with Ladd to determine what type of vehicle best aligned with teaching requirements. Initially, a 2023 Toyota Corolla LE was identified as an ideal option due to its relevance to modern automotive systems, including fuel management, computer networking and electronic safety features.

“The addition of the 2024 Toyota Corolla LE to our automotive lab marks a pivotal shift in how we prepare students for the workforce. This isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a high-tech learning platform. With its dynamic force engine featuring dual-injection technology and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, our students will be able to engage in both mechanical repair and study electronics and advanced sensor diagnostics,” Ladd said. “By training on the exact technology currently entering dealership service bays, our graduates will be much better prepared to enter the work force or tech school.”

High school Principal Jacob Bretz said, “Having this new vehicle will allow students to have relevant and up to date experiences in the current world of automotive repair and technology. Thank you to the DPSF for their generosity and commitment to providing our students with top notch learning materials.”

In addition to the vehicle, Ladd sought to build a partnership with Toyota of Danville — one that could provide students with real-world exposure through guest speakers and potential site visits to their automotive service department.

Toyota of Danville, a longtime supporter of the foundation, partnered with DPSF to bring the project to life. The dealership last month delivered the 2024 Toyota Corolla SE — an upgrade from the original request. Toyota of Danville’s Service Department has begun dialogue with Ladd about educational partnership opportunities for his class.

The automotive technology request received strong support from District 118 leadership and the DPSF board of directors. As a result, $22,097 was awarded, which also provided an online vehicle repair manual and automotive wheel dollies for the lab.

This was one of 27 classroom grants fulfilled by the foundation since July 2025 for a total of more than $159,000.

Founded in 1989, the Danville Public School Foundation is dedicated to promoting and enhancing educational opportunities for students in Danville public schools — providing resources and experiences beyond what tax funding alone can support.

When is Serve Together Vermilion County’s 2026 Serve Day?

On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers will be completing more than 50 projects, such as landscaping, painting and home repairs, across Vermilion County. The faith-based group’s tag line is: Love where you live. Serve where you live.

They started in 2019 and now work on projects year-round. They have completed more than 300 projects, according to Molly Goodwin, executive director.

Then on Sunday, the Vermilion County group is hosting Celebration Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lincoln Park in Danville to celebrate all the work completed on Serve Day. There will be free food, inflatables, face painting, bubbles and games.

What is the upcoming Mrs. Kate event at the Danville Public Library?

Recording artist “Mrs. Kate” Carpenter will be sharing her original folk songs at 10 a.m. June 25 at the library, 319 N. Vermilion St. All ages are welcome, and admission is free.

Mrs. Kate is a national touring children’s performer and a Parents’ Choice award-winning songwriter. With puppetry, catchy songs and riveting storytelling, Mrs. Kate engages her audience in an unforgettable, interactive, character-building experience.

Carpenter has been singing, picking guitar and writing songs for more than 40 years. She has brought the joy of her songs to thousands of families. Mrs. Kate is a featured artist at several folk festivals and has performed at more than 600 schools and libraries worldwide, according to library officials.