What is the Change Bandit initiative?
The Change Bandit initiative, sponsored by Illini Bank, is a program where an individual, a class, an organization or a department collects change in support of Children’s Miracle Network. It is also the kick-off to generate enthusiasm for the upcoming 103.7 WDBR Cares for Kids Radiothon presented by CEFCU to be held on Nov. 19-21 to benefit Children’s Miracle Network at St. John’s Children’s Hospital in partnership with SIU School of Medicine.

What does a Change Bandit do?
Once you have registered, we will provide you with a Change Bandit loot bag, and all you have to do is collect spare change from friends, family, co-workers, under the sofa, in the car, etc. and bring your collection in the provided loot bag to the Bandit Bash on November 18 (location known ONLY to Change Bandits). We recommend you set your goal to collect at least $100, but remember, every penny counts towards a miracle! At the Bandit Bash, the loot will be counted by our sponsor, Illini Bank, and prizes will be awarded for most change in the three categories: individual, group and class.

The Change Bandit loot bag includes: a Bandit Badge, posters, stickers to give to donors and two Bandit Bash tickets for you and a guest.

How do I register and get started?
You can register by filling out the Sign-up form and Change Bandit contract. Mail the forms to Children’s Miracle Network, P.O. Box 6070, Springfield, IL 62708 or you can fax your forms to 217-757-6349. You may also sign-up to be a Change Bandit at all Springfield Illini Bank locations, or at their locations in Auburn, Divernon, Sherman or Mechanicsburg. For more information or to register via phone, please call 217-544-KIDS.

You can start collecting change as soon as you receive your Change Bandit packet. First of all, write your name and your goal on the posters included in the packet. Hang your posters up in your neighborhood, work, school, anywhere that you are allowed to put up items for display. At work, another great idea is to create a Change Bandit bank to put on your desk. Wear your Bandit Badge to look the part of a Change Bandit!

How long can I collect change?
You can start collecting change after you have received your packet, and can collect up until the day of the Bandit Bash, Wednesday, November 18, where the change will be counted. Please be sure to write your name on the Bandit loot bag to ensure you are credited with your collection.

What’s the Bandit Bash?
The Bandit Bash sponsored by Illini Bank is an exclusive wrap-up party to recognize the hard work of our Change Bandits. Change Bandits will be given two tickets to bring a guest to the party to be held on November 18 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. If you can’t attend, please call 217-544-KIDS to speak to someone about submitting your collection. The deadline to turn in your loot bag is at noon on Saturday, November 20.

Who will the Change Bandit program benefit?
The Change Bandit program will improve the lives of over 50,000 children facing health and medical issues at St. John’s Children’s Hospital each year with the help of Children’s Miracle Network.

Remember, kids are counting on you!