Summer is in full swing across the 26th District! I am excited to offer a variety of events throughout the season, bringing residents together for educational programs, community resources, family activities, and opportunities to connect with local organizations and services.
Topics below include:
- Fighting for Families, Delivering Results
- FSHD Awareness Yappy Hour
- FREE Museum Pass Card
- Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events This Summer
- Partnering with District 76 for Back to School Drive
Fighting for Families, Delivering Results
This spring session, I remained focused on one priority: making life more affordable and secure for Illinois families.
I worked on legislation to lower costs across the board, including property taxes, prescription drugs, utilities, and everyday essentials like diapers. I also supported measures to strengthen child care access and tax credits, and promote housing and economic development that helps reduce long-term costs for families.
Beyond affordability, I advanced policies to strengthen child and family protections, improve school safety, increase accountability in child welfare, and enhance public safety and protections against domestic violence. I also supported efforts to grow small businesses, protect seniors from fraud, expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and ensure veterans receive the support they have earned.
I encourage you to click here to view a full list of the legislation I sponsored this session.
FSHD Awareness Yappy Hour
It was wonderful to join Joanne Dalessandro and so many supporters at the FSHD Awareness Yappy Hour to help raise awareness for Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD).
FSHD is a rare disease that causes progressive muscle weakness and currently has no cure. Events like this not only bring our community together but also help shine a light on the need for continued research, advocacy, and support for those affected.
I was proud to file Senate Resolution 176 and recognize June 20 as FSHD Awareness Day in Illinois, inspired by my constituent and friend, Joanne of North Barrington. Together, we will continue raising awareness and working toward a future free from FSHD.
FREE Museum Pass Card
Summer is officially here, and if you’re looking for a fun and affordable family outing, don’t forget about my office’s FREE Museum Pass Card program!
The Museum Pass Card provides admission for up to four people to many of Chicagoland’s premier museums and attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and more.
Whether you’re planning a family adventure, entertaining visiting relatives, or simply looking to explore something new this summer, this pass is a great way to experience some of the region’s top destinations at no cost.
Museum Pass Cards are available to residents of the 26th Senate District on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more and reserve your pass, visit:
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events This Summer
There’s something happening all summer long across the 26th District! I am hosting these events to connect residents with valuable resources, services, educational seminars, family activities, and opportunities to get involved.
📚 Summer Reading Program
April 29 – August 3, 2026
Online Event
June Events
🚗 Get Your Free I-PASS Sticker
June 22 | 6:00 PM
Cook Memorial Public Library District, Libertyville
🩸 Blood Drive
June 23 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Palatine Township Center, Palatine
🛡️ Senior Fraud Prevention Seminar
June 25 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Algonquin Township Office, Crystal Lake
July Events
🩸 Blood Drive
July 8 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wauconda Township, Wauconda
💊 Medicare 101
July 14 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich
♻️ Recycling & Shredding Event
July 18 | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
St. Francis Church Parking Lot, Lake Zurich
🚗 I-PASS & ICASH Event
July 23 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Village of Long Grove
August Events
👨👩👧👦 Kids Fair
August 1 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Foglia YMCA, Lake Zurich
🩸 Blood Drive
August 11 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Palatine Village Hall, Palatine
Stay tuned for more events to be added! Visit www.senatordarbyhills.com/events to follow along and learn more details.
Partnering with District 76 for Back to School Drive
Our office is proud to serve as a drop-off location for the District 76 Back to School Drive supporting EC–8th grade learners.
Now through August 7, community members are encouraged to donate back-to-school essentials to help local students start the school year prepared and confident.
Drop-off locations include:
West Oak Campus, 26156 N Acorn Ln, Mundelein
Mundelein Police Department, N Lake St Mundelein, IL 60060
Senator Darby Hills’ office, 795 Ela Road, Suite 208, Lake Zurich
Can’t drop off in person?
You can also shop our Amazon Wish List and have items shipped directly to Senator Hills’ office: Amazon Wish List
For questions, please contact Samira Calderon at 224-548-6845 or scalderon@dist76.org.
We are grateful to partner with District 76 in supporting local families and ensuring students have the tools they need for a successful school year.
As always, my office is here to help if you have any questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Yours truly,
Senator Darby Hills