Fox Valley briefs

Tax return helpUnited Way of Elgin's Income Impact Council is offering free income tax preparation to families who made $50,000 or less in 2009 or individuals who made $25,000 or less. IRS-certified volunteers will be available to help from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The program runs through April 15. No appointments are necessary; it's first come, first served. For details, call United Way of Elgin at (847) 741-2259 or visit the Center for Economic Progress at economicprogress.org.Scholarship contest beginsApplications are now available for state Sen. Michael Noland's 2010 College Scholarship Contest. The program allows each member of the Illinois General Assembly to award scholarships to nine Illinois public universities to students in the 22nd Senate District who have been active in public and civic affairs, demonstrated academic achievement, or who are in need of assistance. Applications are available at Noland's office, 100 E. Chicago St., Suite 302, Elgin, 60120, and are due by April 30. For more information, call (847) 214-8864.Used cell phones needed The Central Kane County TRIAD is seeking donations of used cell phones for seniors. Donated phones should be in general working order and have chargers included. They will be made available for seniors to use to call 911 in the event of an emergency. Donations are being accepted in the lobbies of the St. Charles Police Department, 2 State Ave., and the Geneva Township Senior Center, 400 Wheeler Drive. For more information, call (630) 232-3602.