Welcome to Senator Cristina Castro's legislative website

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro is partnering with the Illinois Secretary of State to offer Elgin residents the opportunity to renew their driver’s licenses, purchase license plate stickers and more at a location easily accessible within the community.

“Mobile DMV events provide residents with the opportunity to receive DMV services with ease,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Spots are limited so I encourage residents to call my office to reserve an appointment.”

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro announced new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs – representing a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.

“Providing access to fresh and healthy foods is crucial,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The Illinois Grocery Initiative is helping to prevent food insecurity, eliminate food deserts and prioritize nutrition in our community.”

Geneva

Northern Illinois Food Bank
273 Dearborn Court
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 443-6910
Mondays: Fridays: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturdays: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sundays: Closed

Elgin

Food for Greater Elgin
1553 Commerce Dr.
Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 931-9330
Monday: 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM – 11 AM
Wednesday: 11 AM – 1 PM
Thursday: 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

South Elgin Community United Methodist Church
400 W. Spring St.
South Elgin, IL 60177
(847) 931-0563
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Hours: 9:30 AM – Noon, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Care Center at Bethesda Church of God in Christ
454 Hickory Pl.
Elgin, IL, 60120
(847) 888-2209

All Peoples InterFaith Food Pantry
256 E. Chicago St.
Elgin, 60120
(847) 741-2329
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Community Crisis Center Emergency Pantry
37 S. Geneva St.
Elgin, IL, 60120
(847) 742-4088
Monday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Hanover Park

Hanover Township
7431 Astor Avenue
Hanover Park, IL 60133
Monday and Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday and Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Sunday: Closed

Carpentersville

D300 Food Pantry
100 Cleveland Ave., Door #20
Carpentersville, IL, 60110
(847) 783-7030
Tuesdays 8 AM to 9:30 AM and 6 PM to 7:30 PM, and Wednesdays 11 AM to 1 PM
Pantry shopping every Wednesday evening from 5 PM to 7 PM and Thursday from 5:30 PM to 8PM.

D300 Food Pantry
21 North Washington St.,
Carpentersville IL
Tuesdays 8 AM to 9:30 AM and 6 PM to 7:30 PM, and Wednesdays 11 AM to 1 PM
Pantry shopping every Wednesday evening from 5 PM to 7 PM and Thursday from 5:30 PM to 8PM.

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro will host an award ceremony on March 1 to present a Purple Heart medal to its rightful owner.

“My staff worked in close collaboration with Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office to receive this award for Mr. Ortiz, who served in the Marine unit that suffered the highest percentage of casualties during the war in Afghanistan,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Over 100 Marines in his unit have received a Purple Heart for their sacrifices and wounds sustained during deployment. It is time we honor all of the unit’s sacrifices and show our deep gratitude to Mr. Ortiz and his family by presenting him with this rightfully-deserved medal.”

Anthony Ortiz, who served in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan between 2010 and 2011, will be presented with his Purple Heart on Wednesday, March 1 at noon. The event is open to media and will take place at the American Legion Post 57 in Elgin.

The Purple Heart is awarded to those who are wounded or killed during war or in a terrorist attack. It is the oldest U.S. military decoration, with its first award coming from General George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782.

Read more about the ceremony here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elgin-courier-news/ct-ecn-elgin-purple-heart-awarded-duckworth-st-0303-20230302-zwibnkfuhbcwxcmcgtfwcgnabu-story.html