Crossing guards shepherd us safely across the street. They keep children safe from traffic throughout the year ? no matter the conditions: wind, rain, snow or sweltering heat.
Since 2005, the State of Illinois has been officially honoring these individuals with Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. This year, the event takes place on May 7.
In honor of Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Active Transportation Alliance are asking neighbors to share stories about their local crossing guards. Chicago and suburban residents can share how much they value their crossing guard at www.activetrans.org/
The public is invited to share stories until through May 7, 2013 ? the day Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn declared as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day.
"Crossing guards provide an invaluable service to our communities," said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. "They are out there every day making the streets safer by helping children get to school and guiding residents as they walk to their bus stop."
Here are a few ways you can help celebrate the efforts of your local crossing guards.
- Download and present them with a certificate of appreciation: www.activetrans.org/
crossingguard. - Write a thank you note.
- Give the guard a gift card to a local business.
- Share details about the great work that a particular crossing guard does in your neighborhood.
- Visit www.activetrans.org/
crossingguard to read comments people made about their favorite crossing guards in recent years.
