Woodstock U.U.s Collect Aid for Occupy Chicago

Carrie MacDonald wished she could join the protestors at Occupy Chicago, a part of the growing national movement inspired by Occupy Wall Street.  The son of a close friend was among those who have been on the scene since the beginning.  But Carrie is the mother of a two month old girl and an active two year old boy. 

Unsatisfied with following events in the news and signing internet petitions, Carrie decided to help out by collecting donations of much needed supplies for the protestors and delivering them to Chicago.

“I want the folks who are down there protesting day in and day out to know that there are many of us out here who are behind them 100%.  Even if we can't be there physically for whatever reason, we are with them in spirit,” she said.

For help Carrie turned to the members of the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock who were excited to help out.

The Rev. Jennifer Slade, interim minister, said Unitarian Universalists around the country have been responding to the growing movement.  She cited a statement by Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President Peter Morales, “Unitarian Universalism embodies a long tradition of working for economic justice and workers’ rights. Today is another opportunity for us to live our faith, and the Occupy protests are a first step on the road to repairing our country.”

The Social Justice Committee is collecting needed supplies to be delivered to Occupy Chicago on Monday, October 24. Supplies can be dropped off at the UU Church of Woodstock, 221 Dean Street, in the minister’s office on Thursday, October 20 from 2-6 pm, Friday, October 21 from 10 am to12 pm, and Sunday October 23 between 9:30 am and 10:30 am Supplies needed include:  tents,  blankets, sleeping Bag, Tarps, Winter coats, gloves, scarves, hats, battery packs, power strips, hand and foot warmers,  fresh or canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, bread, protein bars, individual size cereal boxes.

For a more extensive list go occupychi.org and click on “supplies.”

On Monday, Carrie and other members of the Social Justice Committee will load up their cars and head into the city.

For more information and details how to make donations, call Carrie at 847 346-8413 or e-mail carrie@carriemacdonald.com.