DuPage Co. briefs

United Way begins campaign:

Fox Valley United Way will launch its 2008-09 fundraising campaign with a news conference at 11:30 a.m. today at Caterpillar Inc., 325 Route 31, Montgomery. Caterpillar is making a $100,000-plus corporate contribution to match employee donations. Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez and Kendall County Sheriff Dick Randall are the volunteer campaign co-chairmen.

Benefit for homeless shelter:

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 701 in Warrenville is taking registration for a "poker run" for motorcycle enthusiasts on Sept. 7. Proceeds will be donated to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. Registration is $20 for riders and $15 for passengers. For details, contact Guy Rossi at (630) 393-1701, ext. 2667.

Poverty help group gets grant:

The People's Resource Center received an $18,000 grant from the Tellabs Foundation, which will be used to furnish a new technology center in Westmont. The grant will allow the agency to provide a classroom of computers, which will be used to teach computer literacy and provide Internet access to residents living on the southeast side of DuPage County. The free classes are scheduled to begin next month. More information about the new technology center could be found at www.peoplesrc.org.

Wheaton's 'Green' campaign:

Wheaton has launched a public awareness campaign aimed at ensuring residents are more environmentally conscious. The city's Web site features a new "Turn Wheaton Green" section at www.wheaton.il.us/green, which features composting tips, stories about how residents are working to be more environmentally friendly, and ways residents can get involved in the effort. The city's Channel 10 also will be showing special programs with a focus on Wheaton's environmental efforts. Wheaton is looking for volunteers to be members of the city's "Green Team." Members can help clean up the Prairie Path, participate in recycling efforts or help in other events throughout the year. To volunteer, call (630) 653-8877.

CDH nurse honored:

Lena DeJohn has been nominated to receive the third annual Dr. Tom Williams Peer Award for Clinical Excellence at Central DuPage Hospital. DeJohn was one of seven nurses recognized by peers for leadership, volunteerism or clinical excellence at a celebratory event concluding Nurses' Week 2008. A Wheaton resident, DeJohn works with cancer patients at the Winfield hospital.