It Takes a Village: Building Stronger Communities Together
As we close out November, I’m reminded once again that community is our greatest strength. Whether it's a bustling downtown on Small Business Saturday or the generosity we show on Giving Tuesday, these moments reveal who we are in the 27th District: neighbors who show up for one another.
Small Business Saturday is more than a shopping day—it’s a celebration of the entrepreneurs, family-owned shops, and local workers who form the heartbeat of our towns. Walking door to door in our communities, I heard stories of resilience and hope from store owners who continue to invest in our neighborhoods because they believe in what we’re building together. When we support local businesses, we’re not just making a purchase—we’re strengthening our local economy, supporting good jobs, and keeping our communities vibrant.
And just a few days later, Giving Tuesday reminds us that generosity isn’t measured in dollar amounts—it’s measured in intention and impact. So many of our local nonprofits, mutual aid groups, youth organizations, and cultural spaces rely on community members who care deeply about lifting each other up. As someone who has spent my entire career in service, I see firsthand the transformative power of people who give their time, their energy, and their compassion.
These two days—one focused on local businesses, the other on community giving—tell the same story:
We thrive when we invest in one another.
In honor of Giving Tuesday, here is a list of my favorite Non-Profits to support:
As I continue my campaign for State Senate, my commitment is simple: to fight for a district where every family, every business, and every community organization has the tools they need to succeed. That means supporting policies that grow small businesses, strengthen our workforce, protect working families, and ensure our social-service system can meet the needs of every person who calls this district home.
Because in the 27th District, we know what it takes to build a strong community—and we do it together.
Thank you for your support, your trust, and your belief in what we can build together.
Let’s keep going—because together, we’re stronger.
With gratitude,
Carina Santa Maria
Candidate for Illinois State Senate, District 27