Some friends of an ailing community advocate hope to try and help with his medical expenses.

Percy Baker, the former director at Carver Community Center in Peoria needs a heart transplant. This weekend and next, there will be activities held to raise money to help Baker.

The group, Families United for Christ, will hold a benefit dinner Saturday and a Gospel Tribute is planned for Sunday. Members encourage people who don't know Baker to join them for the events.

Shar'Ron Ford said, "If you haven't met Percy, you've missed out on a person that has really helped the community. I've known Percy when he was a juvenile probation officer, then he worked for the Department of Children and Family Services and from there to Carver Center. All those jobs are jobs that reach out and help people. He's that type of person."

The benefit dinner will be Saturday, January 5, at Cornerstone Banquet Facilities in Peoria. It starts at 5:00 p.m. and tickets are $35.

Sunday's Gospel Tribute will be at the Church of the Living God in Peoria. It starts at 4 o'clock and is free, but donations will be accepted.

A Youth dance at the Riverplex has been rescheduled to January 11 at the Riverplex in Peoria. It starts at 6 o'clock and the cost is $10.

If you cannot attend, but want to make a donation send a check payable to Families United for Christ at Regions Bank on North Sterling in Peoria.