Established 1980

Orland Township, in partnership with Jewel Osco pharmacy, recently held its third and largest vaccine distribution event, administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to more than 2,000 residents, according to the office of Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady.

The Township held this third COVID-19 vaccine distribution at Georgios Banquets in Orland Park, due to the number of residents scheduled to attend.

This third vaccination event initially scheduled residents in Phase 1B and with underlying medical conditions or otherwise eligible under Phase 1C. With the announcement of most of Illinois opening up vaccines to Phase 2, which includes persons with cancer, diabetes and other underlying medical conditions, as well as clergy, restaurant staff, and workers in energy, legal, retail and transportation and logistics, Orland Township followed suit and opened up appointments to Phase 2 individuals as well. The addition of Phase 2 eligibility resulted in the 2,300 appointment slots quickly filling up.

Full Story available in the Orland Township Messenger

The Bremen High School District 228 Transitional Employment Program (TEP) successfully completed its first donation project called the “TEP Pet Project.”

TEP students and staff members called upon the community, peers, and colleagues to donate toys, beds, bowls, leashes, treats, bleach, paper towels, baby wipes, blankets, and any other items that could benefit animals in need at the Half-Way Home Animal Rescue located in Orland Park.

Through their efforts, they collected dozens of boxes of items, as well as roughly 500 blankets from an anonymous donor who wishes to remain unnamed. These blankets will be distributed to the Half-Way Home Animal Rescue, as well as other veterinarian shelters that may be in need in ther local South Suburban area.

The blankets will help keep shelter pets off the ground and insulate them from cold floors.

Students in the District 228 TEP program are junior and senior special education students who are preparing to graduate and enter the workforce. The students took interest in this project after staff members arranged an opportunity for the students to speak with veterinarian Abigail Roeters from Mill Creek Animal Clinic in Palos Park in October.

During this opportunity, students had the chance to practice their soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, listening, respect and responsibility. Students were also able to learn more about the veterinarian career and about animals; such as their own pets they may have at home.

Collected items were distributed to the Half-Way Animal Rescue and other shelters.

Full Story available in the Orland Township Messenger

In collaboration with a pharmacy chain through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership Program, the Village of Orland Park along with the Township current provision of vaccines will provide COVID-19 vaccines to Orland Park seniors and educators. The site, located at the Orland Park Civic Center at 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park, will offer the first dose of the vaccines to registered individuals on Thursday, April 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the second dose three weeks later.

To register for the COVID-19 vaccine, call 708-239-8880. Registrants will be required to provide proof of eligibility and confirm their availability.

Full Story available in the Orland Township Messenger

Orland Township recently held its third drive-thru meal distribution of 2021, handing out nearly 220 prepared, packaged meals to low-income residents and those in need due to pandemic shutdowns, according to the office of Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady.

Through a long-standing partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), Orland Township handed out meals that were prepared by the GCFD at their southwest side facility. In addition to the prepared meals, residents received bags of non-perishable pantry staples and a gift card to a local grocery store.

“While the state continues on a path towards pre-pandemic conditions, residents are still experiencing the financial effects of shutdowns,” said Supervisor O’Grady. “Orland Township is proud to continue to serve its residents by holding Food Pantry drive-thru distributions to help our residents put food on their tables.”

The March Grab & Go meal distribution drive-thru was held Saturday, March 13 at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.

Residents in need of grocery assistance can contact Orland Township by phone, 708-403-4222, or visit the Food Pantry page of the Township’s website, orlandtownship.org, for more information.

Full Story available in the Orland Township Messenger