HR0451 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0451 LRB094 12360 CSA 46466 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Tom and Sonna Cain of Tolono started their Friends of Santa program to create holiday memories for area children who might not otherwise have Christmas; and

WHEREAS, The Cains have been providing happy memories for struggling families since they started the Friends of Santa operation out of their home in 1986; and

WHEREAS, This year will mark the 19th year that the Cains have devoted their own holiday season to making sure that all children in their community have presents to open on Christmas morning; and

WHEREAS, The operation has grown over the years; Friends of Santa now serves children in Tolono plus four additional communities; Mrs. Cain estimates that she has a team of about 200 volunteers helping with donations, shopping, wrapping, and sorting the gifts; groups from the Masonic Lodge in Tolono and the Pesotum and Tolono United Methodist churches have been especially helpful with the fundraising portion; the motorhome that serves as Santa's sleigh is donated by a friend, and Mr. Cain plays Santa; and

WHEREAS, In 1986, the Cains delivered Christmas presents to 56 children; in 2001, the Friends of Santa program delivered presents to 48 families, with a total of 120 children; while every child still receives toys, gifts of clothing and coats are provided to those families who need them; and

WHEREAS, The Cains are the parents of two boys; Mr. Cain has a real estate business, helps teach as a graduate assistant for Dale Carnegie Training, and is the local area's Chapter President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association; and

WHEREAS, The need for Friends of Santa never goes away, but neither do the memories that have been created over the years; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we express our sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Tom and Sonna Cain for their Friends of Santa program and applaud their efforts, and those of the volunteers, in ensuring the continuation of this heartwarming event; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Tom and Sonna Cain as an expression of our utmost admiration.