Oak Forest Community Rallies around Ailing Longtime Volunteer

A woman who has spent years volunteering and assisting those in need, is now the center of others’ efforts to help.

Janet LaVelle, 76, is suffering from pneumonia and other ailments and has been placed on hospice care. Friends and family have started a fundraising effort to provide for her family in its time of need, a family friend told Patch.

LaVelle is best known for her volunteer efforts with South Suburban PADS, a non-profit organization that provides shelter and services for homeless people, and the Illinois Veterans Home located in Manteno. LaVelle can also be found collecting donations of clothing for PADS, in addition to toiletries, CDs and DVDs for the Illinois Veterans Home.

Anyone who wishes to donate can make checks payable to Janet LaVelle Family Fund, and mail to CNB Bank and Trust, 5459 W. 159th St., Oak Forest.