FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Steven Tomaszewski
March 27, 2006
618/344-3065; 618/322-9246

SHIMKUS' TRAVELING HELP DESK IN SUMNER, OLNEY APRIL 5

Collinsville, Illinois…..Do you have a question about your Social Security benefits? Do
you want your military medals that were lost or never received? Do you have tax
questions or questions about any other federal government agency? Do you want your
Congressman to know what you think about a proposed piece of legislation?

If so, on Wednesday, April 5, come to the Sumner Village Hall, 129 East South Avenue,
from 11:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. or the Olney Office of Congressman John Shimkus, 120
South Fair Street, from 1:30 till 3:00 p.m. Congressman Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) will be
sending a member of his staff to meet with area residents in these communities. The
Olney visit is in addition to the office's regular hours of 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. on
Thursdays.

Shimkus calls this service his "Traveling Help Desk," where you can seek assistance
from his office. Appointments are not necessary; just stop in. Those unable to attend, but
who wish to express a concern on legislation or need assistance with any federal agency,
may write to: Congressman John Shimkus, 508 West Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234.

"This service brings my office to your hometown," Shimkus said. "For updates from
Washington right to your home or office, sign up for my weekly e-mail newsletter." To
subscribe to the e-newsletter, log on to www.house.gov/shimkus and follow the link on
the right under Stay Informed.

Congressman Shimkus' offices also serve as collection points for the Call to Protect
(www.calltoprotect.com) program. Instead of harming the environment by winding up
in landfills, used cell phones are collected and sold, with proceeds benefiting local
domestic violence programs. Cell phones can be dropped off at any of Shimkus' offices
and in Sumner on April 5.

Persons requiring special accommodations should call (618) 344-3065 at least 48 hours
prior to the scheduled office hours.