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Retiring John Penn donates $160,000 to local children's charities

MikeMatejka
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Two McLean County non-profits that aid school children received a substantial boost with $85,000 each from Laborers International Union of North America retired officer John Penn.

Penn retired January 31 as LIUNA’s Midwest Region manager and as a LIUNA vice-president.  A retirement party was held on January 26, but Penn only allowed it if it would aid local charities.

The two programs receiving $85,000 were the Promise Council and the Stay 4 project.  Promise Council works within McLean County schools to identify specific needs that children face.  This can include buying shoes, underwear and socks so a child can continue in school. The Council’s current budget is approximately $60,000, so this donation more than surpasses their annual expenditure. They annual spend about $15 per child in need.

Stay 4 works with schools statewide, identifying promising young people who might drop-out.  The young people are offered scholarships if they complete high school, plus Stay 4 aids them with immediate needs and mentoring to ensure they can remain in school. 

Penn is a McLean County LIUNA Local 362 member and completed  49-years as an union elected officer.