Briefs: Presents for the needy

The Humanitarian Service Project is looking for people to donate new Christmas presents for the 1,400 needy children served by the Carol Stream not-for-profit group. The agency's program, called the Christmas Offering Project, also provides groceries to poor families. For more details or to help donate, call (630) 221-8340 or e-mail hsp@humanitarianservice.org.

Shelter receives grant

Mutual Ground Inc. in Aurora, a domestic violence shelter, has received a $20,000 grant from the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation in support of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The funds will be used for the shelter's ongoing efforts to help women and children affected by domestic violence. Mutual Ground is one of 150 shelters throughout the country to receive such a grant.

Tech center open house:

High school sophomores and juniors considering enrollment in an elective at Technology Center of DuPage can attend "Making Connections" open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at the center, 301 S. Swift Road. The event will offer information about the center's college credit option, internships, industry and business certifications, and academic credentialing. Electives available through include careers in health and safety, technical arts, pre-engineering, computer technology, automotive, construction, manufacturing, culinary arts, cosmetology and early childhood education. For details, call Kathy Rosenwinkel at (630) 691-7572.

Gingerbread village contest

Flour up your pans, Naper Settlement is having its annual Gingerbread Village Contest. The contest will be held during Christmas Memories from Dec. 14-16 at the settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Last year, more than 30 bakers entered. The decorated confections will be sold to benefit education and preservation programs at the 19th-century living history museum. For an application and guidelines, visit the Web site www.napersettlement.museum or call (630) 420-6010.