Chamber seeks elves, sponsors

    The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and Industry needs Christmas elves and sponsors for its annual Elf Contest.
    The contest benefits the Christian Help Association (CHA), which uses the proceeds to provide a holiday meal for the community’s less fortunate families and presents for their children. The CHA helps more than 400 local families each year.
    Children age 5 and under, who are Wilmington residents, are eligible to be elves. They will be photographed in their holiday finery, and their pictures will be attached to donation boxes.
    The boxes are placed in sponsoring businesses and shoppers are asked to donate their change, or as much as they can spare. Each penny counts as a vote for the elf pictured on the box — so each dollar is worth 100 votes. The top three vote-getters each receive Chamber gift certificates as a thank you for participating.
    Elf photos will be taken on Saturday, Oct. 28. After school and evening appointments will be available.
    Parents who would like their children to participate as an elf in this charitable endeavor and business owners who would like to be a sponsor, can learn more by contacting Cyndi Ragain, program organizer and owner of Double G Excavating, at 815-474-7521 (cell) or e-mail her at dblegexc@aol.com.