The briefs

Get a deal on a new cat

Between now and Sunday, Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin will offer a special $50 adoption fee for each cat that has lived at the shelter for more than two years. The fee, which covers spaying, neutering, current vaccinations and other medical care, is typically $155 for cats and kittens. There are many cats that have lived at the shelter for longer than two years, and officials are offering the promotion in hopes that these cats find homes soon -- the shelter doesn't euthanize cats to make more room for others. For details, call the shelter at (847) 697œ2880.

Help a kid go shopping

The Woodfield Area Children's Organization needs volunteers ages 15 and older to take a needy child Christmas shopping or help the kid wrap presents at the Wal-Mart at 1001 N. Randall Road in Elgin. The shopping spree is scheduled for 7 a.m. Dec. 15 and each child gets to spend $75. Call (847) 436-9697.

Decorate for a higher cause

While South Elgin residents on Juniper Lane decorate the street for the upcoming holiday season, they'll be collecting donations for Cal's All-Star Angel Foundation, named after Cal Sutter who died last year of leukemia. The foundation supports children with leukemia and funds a pair of scholarships. Juniper Lane, which has won the village's holiday light award seven times, also will hold an annual food drive. Goods will be collected in marked containers on the street and sent to the South Elgin Food Pantry. For more information, call (847) 456-5296.

Last call for coat drive

State Rep. Ruth Munson and the villages of Carpentersville, East Dundee and Elgin are urging residents to donate their new or gently used coats to the needy this winter. The coat drive runs until Friday. You can drop off the coats at Munson's district office, 1146 Dundee Ave., Elgin; Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court; Carpentersville Village Hall, 1200 L.W. Besinger Drive; or the Dundee Township Park District Senior Center, 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville. The coats will be donated to the Elgin Public Action to Deliver Shelter and the Community Crisis Center.

Elgin High holiday concert

On Dec. 11, seven choirs will present a Holiday Choral Concert at 7 p.m. in Elgin High School's auditorium. Anyone donating new hats, gloves, mittens or scarves for those in need will be given free admission to the concert. A reception and raffle will be sponsored by the "Friends of Music" parent organization.