The briefs

Kiwanis learn about Renz Center

The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. Deborah Howe of the Renz Addiction Counseling Center in Elgin will speak on the agency's programs. All are welcome. For details, call (847) 741-7176.

Visiting Angels to hold coat drive

Visiting Angels of South Elgin is sponsoring its third annual coat drive through Thursday. They will collect new and gently used coats, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves for those in need. Here is your chance to clean out your closet and get rid of all those old coats that haven't been worn in years. All donations will benefit the Wayside Center in Elgin.

Your donations will be accepted at the South Elgin collection sites: lobby of River Crossing Condominiums, 10 N. Gilbert St.; Butera Finer Foods, 1175 W. Spring St.; and Visiting Angels, 65 Woodbury St. For details, call Arlene Petersen at Visiting Angels at (847) 429-0100.

Lions Club to hold turkey, meat spin

On Friday, the South Elgin Lions Club will hold its 33rd annual Turkey and Meat Spin Fundraiser at the club house, 500 Fulton St. in South Elgin.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the raffle starting at 7 p.m.

It will benefit local charities such as Operation Jingle Bells, Courier News Shoe Fund, South Elgin Food Pantry, Salvation Army, Little Angels Nursing Home for severely disabled children; and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 14 Shop With a Cop. Among the items to be raffled are more than turkeys, ham, steaks and many other meat items. One lucky loser will receive a Loser's Basket consisting of everything for a complete Thanksgiving dinner. For details, call Linda Scham at (847) 468-9750.

Find your favorite book at today's sale

Oak Crest Residence and Atrium Apartments invites the community to attend its monthly book sale from 1 to 4 p.m. today and Wednesday in the atrium, 204 S. State St. in Elgin. There will be more than 1,000 gently used books, VHS movies and CDs. Cost is $1 for hardbacks or 50 cents for paperbacks. Refreshments will be served. For details, call (847) 742-2255. Visit www.oakcrestatrium.org for upcoming events.