Single Mom Is First 'Mokena Miracle' Recipient

MOKENA, IL - A Mokena mom of three is the first recipient of a Mokena miracle. The Mokena Miracles, a non-profit organization that set up shop just this year as a way to assist local residents facing difficult challenges, raised more than $3,000 in donations for the family and helped support local businesses in the process.

The funds were raised through support from local businesses and individuals, according to Samantha Cooper, president of Mokena Miracles and Bob McNellis, treasurer of the organization.

The Mokena Miracles board of directors selected the mom through a thorough vetting process, and once that was complete went to spend as much of the money as possible at Mokena retailers.

After that, community members took part in a fun morning of gift-wrapping, where all the presentes were nestled under a Christmas tree at the Mokena Fire Protection District.

The family received their Miracle when they were invited to open the presents on Dec. 17, when they also found out that two full months of rent would be paid for them.

"Needless to say, Mom was speechless," Cooper and McNellis wrote in a news release.

The outpouring of support and generosity that Mokena Miracles has received so far has been "overwhelming" and "so very appreciated."

Moving forward, donations will be accepted throughout the years and giveaways like the one made to the local mom will be made during the holiday seasons. Members of the community can donate on the organization's website or by mailing a check to PO Box 824, Mokena, IL 60448. As a 501(c)3, all donations to Mokena Miracles are tax-deductible.

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