For years, it's seemed that the far south suburb of Ford Heights couldn't get a break.
First, its police force dissolved when officers stopped showing up for work. Last year it stopped collecting garbage because of budget problems. Earlier this month a moldy rape kit was found in the vacant police station; the man tied to the evidence was about to be released from prison.
But Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, who has received recognition for programs stopping evictions, is stepping in to help clean up the town, starting with a community clean-up event today. Dart will be joined by area churces and community leaders.
Also enlisted in the clean-up effort are offenders enlisted in the Sheriff's Work Alternative Program, who will assist in the week-long program.
"Spring is a time to refresh and renew," Dart said in a statement. "Our clean-up week activities and give-aways are one more way for us to lend a hand to the families and children of Ford Heights to make the village a better place to live."
Dart and the community partners will also distribute gifts and turkeys to families, as Easter approaches. Spokesman Steve Patterson says the turkeys are donated by local businesses, in lieu of the traditional ham or lamb.