DECEMBER 21, 2022
Vol. VII No. 51 Maywood orders new fire engine, PAGE 6
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Lawmakers hear more pleas for assault weapon ban
Christmas parade lights up Broadview, PAGE 3
Bellwood church gives gifts to children of incarcerated parents
Experts say gun control only one part of a bigger puzzle By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – A legislative committee on Dec. 15 heard more witnesses call for a ban on high-power, semi-automatic rifles and largecapacity magazines, but some experts said that alone won’t solve the problem of violent crime in Illinois. During its second hearing on a proposed assault weapon ban, an Illinois House committee, meeting in Chicago, heard from several officials who said public investment in marginalized communities and communitybased programs that aim to stop cycles of violence also are needed. “Unfortunately, community-based providers serving at-risk youth and emerging adults have lacked substantial investments for decades. Yet these programs have proven to be impactful and effective,” Delrice Adams, executive director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, told the panel. “Community investment, diversionary criminal justice programming and evidencebased, trauma-informed treatment can reduce crimes related to illegal gun carrying. A See ASSUALT WEAPONS on page 12
Keandre Turner, 8, receives a large bag of gifts and a children’s Bible during World Deliverance Center’s Angel Tree event in Bellwood. See more photos on page 4.
World Deliverance Center partnered with Angel Tree for Dec. 12 giveaway By SHANEL ROMAIN Staff Contributor
On Dec. 12, approximately 52 children and 20 families gathered at World Deliverance Center, 439 Bohland Ave. in Bellwood, to receive gifts from church officials. But this was no ordinary
holiday gift giveaway. World Deliverance Center’s prison ministry partnered with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program to provide Christmas gifts for children whose parents are incarcerated. “We want them to know that even though their parents can’t be with them for Christmas, they’re not forgotten,” said Ruth Price, World Deliverance Center’s staff pastor of evangelism. “We give gifts on behalf of the parents.” Price said the church has been doing the gift giveaway for around 12 years.
Perhaps even more important than the gifts the children received were the notes from incarcerated parents attached to the gifts. “I might open my gift on Christmas Eve,” said Elena Grijalva. “I might get too impatient and open it before then. I might take the Angel off and keep it since my papi made it.”
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