2020 Census Social Distancing Ice Cream Social to be held in Hardin County
Information collected from the census is not for what happens today, but for what happens over the next 10 years. For residents living in rural areas, such as Hardin and Pope Counties, their response to the 2020 Census is so important to their communities to ensure that vital programs and services continue.
On June 19, the Egyptian Area Agency on Aging will partner with Southern Seven Health Department and the Golden Circle Senior Center in Elizabethtown, Illinois to host the “2020 Census Social Distancing Ice-Cream Social”. This event, featuring free Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream, will give residents a place to complete their census online while still maintaining safe social distancing.
“What makes a small town great is its community. The census impacts funding for things that keep us all connected like roads, bridges, public transportation, and much more,” said Bobi Cavins, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Southern Seven. “When services like schools, healthcare, senior and child programs, and public housing receive less funding, it impacts everyone. When more people return their census, they are guaranteeing more money for their communities.”
The results from the census are used to determine how much funding local communities receive for key public services and how many seats each state gets in Congress. State and local officials also use census counts to draw boundaries for congressional, state legislative, and school districts.
Getting a complete, accurate census count is critically important and your response is required by law. If you do not respond, the U.S. Census Bureau will follow up in person to collect your response.
And while you are required by law to participate, the Census Bureau is also required by law to protect your answers. Your responses are used only to produce statistics. The Census Bureau does not disclose any personal information.
The “2020 Census Social Distancing Ice-Cream Social” is scheduled from 10:00 to 1:00 at the Golden Circle in Elizabethtown. Laptops and Internet access will be available with Census assistance if needed. Those unable to come to the event can complete their census by phone at (844) 330-2020, (618) 985-8311 or (618) 287-5590.
Those who attend are asked to wear a face covering during their visit and follow all safety regulations posted at the event. All laptops will be sanitized after each use.
For questions regarding the 2020 Census, visit www.2020census.org or call (618) 985-8311.
