The briefs

Support Home of the Sparrow

From 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Ice House Mall, 200 Applebee St., Barrington, participating merchants will donate 20 percent of total purchases when shoppers mention Home of the Sparrow.

Shoppers will also receive a $10 holiday shopping coupon. Some restrictions may apply. Home of the Sparrow provides transitional housing, counseling and job skills training to Northwest suburban women in crisis.

For more information, visit the Web site h-o-s.org.

Legislator runs area food drive

State Rep. Fred Crespo is running a month-long food drive to help needy families in the 44th District. The Hoffman Estates Democrat is collecting nonperishable food items until Friday for the Hanover and Schaumburg Township food pantries.

Donations can be dropped off at Crespo's constituent service office, 1014 E. Schaumburg Road, Streamwood. For more information, call (630) 372-3340.

Teddy bear party at Sunderlage Farm

The Hoffman Estates Historical Sites Commission presents its 12th annual Teddy Bear Holiday Party at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Sunderlage Farmhouse, Vista Lane and Volid Drive.

Children ages 3 to 6 can listen to stories and win prizes. R.S.V.P. at (847) 781œ2606.

Self-help group to change locations

"New Beginnings" has moved to a bigger and more central location at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1001 Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, in the 999 Hughes building in front of the church.

The ministry -- part of the Phoenix Group -- is a 31-year-old Catholic-oriented, nondenominational social support organization for separated, divorced, widowed and single persons. The self-help group has more than 400 members, ranging in age from 30 to 70 and is credited with more than 100 new marriages.

"New Beginnings" meets from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays for various activities and/or a speaker. This Monday will be the group's annual Christmas potluck dinner. Attendees should bring a dish to share as a donation for admission. "New Beginnings" will provide the meat, coffee and tea.

For more information, call Joan at (847) 397-9643 or visit sainthubert.org.

Give toys at Jerseys Pizza and Grill

Jerseys Pizza and Grill, 2360 Lakewood Blvd., Hoffman Estates, is partnering with the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation's Holiday Giving Drive through Tuesday.

Collection boxes at the restaurant will collect toy donations. Donations will be taken from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. all week.

All toys must be new and in original packaging, non-violent and unwrapped.