The Will County Women’s Caucus, a newly formed organization within the Will County Board, is sponsoring a clothing drive to benefit the H.E.A.R.T. Organization in Bolingbrook. Long- or short-sleeved, men’s and women’s white dress shirts are being collected for the organization.

      “We are happy to collect these shirts to help the young people in the H.E.A.R.T. Organization,” said Ann Dralle, chairwoman of the women’s caucus. “JoAnn (Robinson) does such a great job guiding these young people, we are glad to help her.”

      In addition to Dralle, Diane Seiler-Zigrossi is also chairwoman of the caucus. Other members include Denise Winfrey, LeeAnn Goodson, Kathleen Konicki, Katrina Deutsche, Jackie Traynere, Debbie Rozak, Laurie McPhillips, and Suzanne Hart. The mission of this caucus is to develop and enhance leadership skills through networking, education, idea forums, and mentorship for its members and all women in the county.

      “The caucus will allow us to focus on issues that directly affect women in our county,” Seiler-Zigrossi said. “It is important for women to have a voice on important issues and we are happy to be representatives of this voice.”

      For more than a decade, Robinson has lead the H.E.A.R.T. (Helping, Enriching, Advising, Reaching and Teaching) Organization and works with the Will County courts to help young people, ages 12-18, who have pleaded guilty to minor infractions to get back on the path as law abiding citizens. Part of the 6-week program requires the participants to adhere to a strict dress code of white shirts and dark trousers. The Will County Women’s Caucus seeks to help this program by collecting white dress shirts.

      “We are asking anyone who can to donate a long- or short-sleeve white dress shirt in any size to help these young people,” said Dralle.

      “JoAnn has the support of our courts system and our local law enforcement,” said Seiler-Zigrossi. “This is a very valuable program and we are pleased to collect these shirts to help further her efforts.”

     Shirts can be dropped off at the Will County Office Building at 302 N. Chicago Street in Joliet. A collection bin will be available in the first floor lobby. Donations may also be dropped off at State Representative Tom Cross’ Plainfield office at 24047 W. Lockport Street. The members of the caucus will also be able to accept donations of shirts. Call the County Board Office at (815) 740-4602 or visit the website: www.willcountyboard.com for contact information. The collection will end August 31, 2012.

     For more information about the H.E.A.R.T. Organization, call (630) 226-8742 or visit www.theheartprogram.org.