SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt will host a Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon to recognize the invaluable contributions of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

“Women veterans have played a vital role in our nation’s history, and this luncheon is a chance to celebrate their courage, dedication and achievements,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I encourage all women veterans in the area to join us for this special event.”

The luncheon will take place Monday, March 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Southwestern Illinois College, located at 2500 Carlyle Ave. in Belleville, at the Liberal Arts Building, Room LA2311-2313. Registration is required to attend. Interested participants can RSVP by calling Belt’s Swansea office at 618-416-2452 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt’s office is collecting store-bought or handmade cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day.

“Join me in showing our support for our senior community by letting them know we are thinking about them on Valentine’s Day,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We have done this for several years now, and it’s really a great way to brighten someone’s day.”  

Individuals are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to Belt’s district offices, located at the Kenneth Hall Regional Office Building, 10 Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A, East St. Louis, IL 62201 or 7 Park Place, Suite C, Swansea, IL 62226. Belt is collecting cards until Wednesday, Feb. 11 and will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

People with questions can reach out to Belt’s East St. Louis office at 618-875-1212 or Swansea office at 618-416-2452.

SWANSEA — To kick off the giving season, State Senator Christopher Belt and State Representative Jay Hoffman are collecting canned goods ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Let’s come together to address the pressing need for food in our community,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Every little bit helps. Giving back is a small way we can all make a big difference in our community.”

Residents are encouraged to drop off cans of green beans, gravy and cranberry sauce, and boxes of stuffing and cornbread now through Nov. 18.

Drop off locations include:

• Senator Belt’s East St. Louis office: Kenneth Hall Regional Office Bldg., 10 Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A, East St. Louis
• Senator Belt’s Swansea office: 7 Park Pl., Suite C, Swansea
• Representative Hoffman’s Belleville office: 2300 W. Main St., Belleville
• Birth to Five Illinois: 1000 S. Illinois St., Belleville
• Downtown Belleville YMCA - Kern Center: 200 S. Illinois St., Belleville

For more information, contact Belt’s Swansea office at 618-416-2452 or Belt’s East St. Louis office at 618-875-1212.