Christmas tree purchase can help a sick child

Don't forget that when you buy a Christmas tree this year from the Algonquin Lions Club that you're supporting the Sammy Sanchez medical fund; she's an 11-year-old local girl battling leukemia.

The Lions Club is donating half of its proceeds to the charity, which is set up at Harris Bank of Algonquin, 225 S. Randall Road.

You can purchase your tree outside Algonquin State Bank at Huntington Drive and Randall Road.

Gee, I'll miss that money: This month, I'll be shelling out at least $75 on a traffic ticket for making an illegal right turn on red at Airlite Street and Larkin Avenue in Elgin.

Officer Bob Mayer pulled me over just before the sun came up at the intersection, in full view of the dentist's office, where I had an appointment that morning.

He said there have been a lot of complaints from people about motorists making that illegal turn and had to give me a ticket.

It wasn't like he appeared out of nowhere, because he had been behind me since McLean Boulevard.

And I was so tired that I didn't see the posted sign on Larkin Avenue when I turned onto Airlite Street.

So it's either pay $75 and have the violation on my record, or pay $120 for traffic school so it doesn't go on my record.

It sure is a hard lesson to learn, and just in time for the holidays, unfortunately.

Make sure it doesn't happen to you; keep your eyes peeled for those signs.

Giving back: Crystal Lake's Raue Center for the Arts has adopted the Valley-Hi Nursing Home in Woodstock to bring holiday cheer to its residents.

To this end, they need your help - in the form of Christmas gifts.

You can deliver all unwrapped, new presents to the center's box office at 26 N. Williams Street in Crystal Lake or at the center's administrative office at 108 Minnie Street, also in Crystal Lake.

Some of the items they need for men are: cologne, cardigans, undershirts, polo shirts, socks and sports items.

Women need: perfume, sweaters, seasonal socks and knitting supplies.

Unisex gifts include: sweatshirts, body wash, lotion, watches, regular candy, sugar-free candy, books on tape, books with large type, stamps and rosaries.

• Lenore Adkins covers Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Pingree Grove and McHenry County College. She lives in Elgin. To reach her, send an e-mail to ladkins@dailyherald.com or call (847) 608-2725.