The briefs

United Relief will pick up donations

Mount Prospect-based United Relief Foundation Stock the Shelves Hope and Help Express provides a way for people to get food and goods donations to their local food pantry or shelter.

Until Dec. 22, United Relief Foundation will be offering free pickup of food and goods donations from residents and businesses in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights and Wheeling.

United Relief Foundation will then deliver the food and goods donations in the contributor's name to the contributor's choice of a designated food pantry or shelter identified by the United Relief Foundation serving those towns.

For details, visit www.stocktheshelves.org or call (847) 345-2413.

Relay For Life committee meets

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Mount Prospect planning committee meeting will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 19, at The American Cancer Society, 1114 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Individuals are needed to help organize and recruit teams, secure community support, coordinate event logistics, obtain refreshments and prizes, help with publicity and plan entertainment activities.

This year's event will be held from 6 p.m. May 16 to 6 a.m. May 17 at Prospect High School, Mount Prospect.

For details, call the American Cancer Society at (847) 368-1166.

Volunteers needed for tax aid program

Volunteers are needed for the AARP tax aid program. The Tax Aid Program helps persons 55 and older complete their tax returns. The program serves 2 million people annually.

Classes begin in January.

Those interested in serving should call Phyllis Soltys at (847) 824-3775.

Mitten Tree Project benefits needy

The Des Plaines Special Events Commission and the Health & Human Services Division of the city of Des Plaines will be coordinating the "Mitten Tree Project" during the holiday season. Purpose of the Mitten Tree Project is to collect new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves for needy individuals.

Donations will be collected at Des Plaines city hall Health & Human Services Division, 1420 Miner St.; Des Plaines Park District Prairie Lakes Facility, 515 E. Dempster St.; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St.; Midwest Bank, 749 Lee St., the Des Plaines Frisbie Senior Center, 52 Northwest Hwy. and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, 310 N. River Road.