Five Things to Know Today: Aug. 2

1. Panera School Supply Drive

Now through Aug. 12, in Bolingbrook, Aurora, Frankfort, Joliet, Oswego, North Plainfield, South Plainfield and Yorkville will be collecting school supplies to help children in need.

Drop off school supplies at local Panera's or go to www.panera-chicago.com to find a participating restaurant near you. 

Panera is looking for items such as: book bags, No. 2 pencils, red/black/blue pens, pink erasers, highlighters, crayons, washable markers, colored pencils, dry erase markers, glue sticks, plastic supply boxes, facial tissue, pocket folders, spiral notebooks, wide ruled filler paper, sticky notes, note cards, art shirts, rulers, protractors, Colorox wipes, paper towels and calculators.

2. Metra Seeking Input on Budget Shortfalls

From the Village of Bolingbrook website: 

Metra is taking steps to address budget shortfalls in the coming year, caused in part by escalating fuel costs. Through this far-reaching effort, Metra is examining all possible opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies – including fare increases and service reductions. The agency wants to hear from its customers and other stakeholders and has launched an on-line survey to gather feedback. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, August 5

To take the survey, click HERE.

3. Facebook Fan Poll

Bolingbrook Patch's daily "Facebook Fan Poll" now appears in our daily "Five Things to Know Today" feature.

Today's question: Are you pleased with the job your elected state representative or senator is doing? 

Chime in below by leaving a comment!

Or, to participate in the poll and become a fan of Bolingbrook Patch via Facebook, click HERE. 

4. Learn About Bats

From the Fountaindale Public Library's website:

Learn about the many benefits of bats that live all over the world, hear what a bat echolocation call sounds like, and much more! Take pictures, or have your picture taken with live Egyptian Fruit Bats.*

*Teens may not touch the bats.

The event will be held in the library's Main Meeting Room from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact 630-685-4176.

5. Yesterday's Headlines