EAST ST. LOUIS – To give children in need a holiday surprise, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Representative LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) are reminding residents to donate toys this holiday season.

“There are only a few days left to donate toys for our holiday drive,” Belt said. “Please consider dropping off toys to help struggling families this holiday season. It’s important to give back to those in our community who need it the most.”

The toys will be collected through Dec. 10. Toys for children of all ages can be dropped off at Belt’s office, located at Kenneth Hall Regional Office Building #10 Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A in East St. Louis. Residents can drop off toys Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Call for Help, Inc., a local organization which will receive the donated toys, works to change lives by giving people skills and support that empower them to overcome emotional and physical crisis. The organization serves the Greater Metro East and surrounding areas to end homelessness, poverty and violence.

If residents have questions about the toy drive, Belt urges them to contact his office at 618-875-1212 or Greenwood’s office at 618-646-9557.

EAST ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Downtown Airport will receive $5 million in funding to benefit aircraft maintenance providers and support more than 450 high-tech aerospace manufacturing jobs at the airport, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) announced Thursday.

“St. Louis Downtown Airport is a vital economic engine in the Metro East,” Belt said. “I will continue working with Representative Latoya Greenwood to bring our tax money home from Springfield in order to maintain and create jobs in our area.” 

St. Louis Downtown Airport is the third busiest airport in the State of Illinois and was recognized by the Illinois Department Division of Aeronautics as the 2021 Reliever Airport of the Year. 

Read more: Belt announces $5 million investment for St. Louis Downtown Airport

EAST ST. LOUIS – To discover ancient America with a new augmented reality application, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) encourages residents to visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.

“Museums not only showcase artifacts, but also keep our history safe and intact, and offer educational opportunities for students,” Belt said. “As times change, museums have to find new ways to keep visitors engaged. The new AR app brings a whole new experience to the Metro East.”

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. Within the 2,200-acre tract, located a few miles west of Collinsville, lie the archaeological remnants of the central section of the ancient settlement.

Read more: Belt invites residents to visit new immersive Cahokia Mounds experience

EAST ST. LOUIS – To prepare for winter travel on Illinois roadways, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are reminding Metro East commuters and families of the winter road conditions map on the Getting Around Illinois website.

“Accidents are more likely when the weather creates hazardous road conditions,” Belt said. “Getting Around Illinois is a great tool to ensure people are safe and prepared when traveling during the cold winter months.” 

Previously, the map displayed conditions by county. New this year, the map shows how weather events are impacting roads, including the ability to identify and zoom in to a location, travel route or destination with current information recorded by plow drivers.

Read more: Belt, Crowe highlight IDOT’s road conditions map for winter travel