• The Shields Pantry, 906 Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff: Donations may be made by calling 847-234-0802.

• Northfield Township Food Pantry, 2550 Waukegan Road, Suite 100, Glenview: The pantry is asking for financial donations that will be used to provide additional resources and food to its clients. Please visit spatpta.memberhub.store/shopping/items/112947 to donate or mail a check to the above address.

• Wheeling Township Food Pantry, 616 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights: The most needed items at the moment are beverages, jelly, peanut butter, vegetables and white rice. Please call 847-259-7730 to arrange a drop off.

• Moraine Township Food Pantry, 800 Central Avenue, Highland Park: Drop offs are accepted. Please leave groceries on the table outside. The most needed include oatmeal, canned fruit, cereal, mac & cheese and tuna. The pantry is also accepting direct donations to keep it stocked. Donations can be made by visiting www.morainetownship.org/super/pantry.html.

• West Deerfield Township Food Pantry: 601 Deerfield Road, Deerfield: The pantry is in need of non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items. It is closed to the public; however, donors may put their donations in a cart found outside the door.

SPRINGFIELD – The deadline to file taxes is around the corner and State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is urging people in need of financial assistance and the elderly to take advantage of free tax preparation programs.

“Tax season can be stressful, especially for people who cannot afford to have their taxes filed by a professional,” Morrison said. “The free programs will give people the peace of mind to know their taxes were done accurately, without worrying about paying hundreds of dollars for the service.”

A number of communities in the north suburbs have opportunities for free tax preparation for elderly and low income families.

Every Friday from now until April 10, eligible people can get their taxes prepared and filed for free at the Deerfield Turner Center, located at 375 Elm Street. You must make an appointment by calling 847-940-4010.

Moraine Township is also hosting free tax filing for those with household incomes of $55,000 or less. Call 847-780-6644 to schedule an appointment.

There are dozens of other areas in the community that offer similar assistance. AARP’s Foundation Tax-Aide program – which is open to non-members – helps those with low-to-moderate income with their taxes. Locations for the program can be found here.

Additionally, the IRS offers income tax assistance and tax counseling for individuals making $56,000 or less, people with disabilities, taxpayers who speak limited English and individuals 60 years of age or older. To find a location, click here.

Federal and state income taxes must be filed by April 15.

SPRINGFIELD – The price of EpiPens has greatly increased over the years, causing people with certain allergies to forgo purchasing the life-saving medication. State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) strives to offset the burdensome cost by requiring insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors.

“With increases in food allergies and other serious allergic conditions, people are relying on EpiPens more than ever,” Morrison said. “Nobody with a serious allergy should go without an epinephrine injector simply because they cannot afford one.”

Senate Bill 2457 – sponsored by Morrison – requires insurers to cover medically necessary EpiPens for all people – regardless of age.

In 2019, Morrison passed legislation to require insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors – also known by the brand name of EpiPens – for minors. However, she wants to take the law one step further by removing the age limitation.

Epinephrine injectors deliver the drug epinephrine to individuals experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Epinephrine works by narrowing blood vessels and opening lung airways, reversing the symptoms of an allergic reaction that, if left untreated, can cause death.

 “People are dying because they can’t afford EpiPens,” Morrison said. “We must do everything we can to make sure it’s affordable.”

The measure passed the Senate Insurance Committee Wednesday. It now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.