NW Illinois News

State Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Sterling) has given her stamp of approval to a supplies-gathering campaign being led by nonprofit organizations across the state.

“Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) do the critical work of helping children with a comprehensive response to child abuse,” McCombie said in a press release explaining how and why she became involved in the effort.

Children advocacy centers respond to allegations of child sexual abuse or severe physical abuse, with children being referred to a local CAC, where part of the evaluation process includes an interview conducted in a child-friendly environment by a trained professional in a way that does not re-traumatize the child. Members of the multidisciplinary team (medical and mental professionals, law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services and more) are all part of the process.

“Often, members of our community have no reason to know about the work of our children’s advocacy centers, but the work they do is critical when responding to children who have been abused,” McCombie said. “When I asked these organizations if they had needs for donations of supplies to do their important work, they sent over lists which my staff compiled into a universal wishlist to allow community members to help out.

McCombie said she is expecting her efforts to have widespread success.

“Our region is generous, and this is such an important cause, especially during the holiday season,” she said. “These organizations work with children when children need community support the most. They thoughtfully and professionally advocate for those victimized. Now, the children’s advocacy centers can use our support to help them in their important work. I know our region will step up to the cause.”

Supplies purchased in-person locally or purchased online may be delivered to McCombie’s office at 2510 Locust St #A, Sterling, IL 61081.

Reported to now be weighing a 37th Senate District Senate run after the recent Democrat-enacted redistricting plan bumped her in the same district as fellow Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport), McCombie has also been busy urging parents to speak out against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s decision to impose a statewide mask mandate on public and private school students.

"Leader (Jim) Durkin has made an inquiry and I will advise ASAP,” McCombie said in a post to Facebook. “It is imperative that you communicate (respectfully) with your school boards and let them know you agree or disagree with this mandate on your kiddos. Silence implies consent."

The measure imposed by Pritzker also requires that all state employees working at congregate settings, such as long-term care facilities or veterans' homes, to have been vaccinated by early October and that teachers and staff members on all levels wear masks regardless of vaccination status.