Public service

Events where participation would benefit the public, such as volunteer events, social service clubs, call for donations to military, blood drives, bone marrow drives, food pantry drive, people who are giving away food, etc. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.

Recycle small electronics: Nov. 1-Jan. 31; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton, is collecting small electronic items to recycle. All donated items are tax deductible, and forms will be available on the bins. Items accepted are cell phones, DVDs, DVD games/consoles, MP3 players, print cartridges, digital cameras, digital video recorders, and laptops/notebooks. Items not accepted are computer monitors, printers, toner cartridges, and personal computers. The library is working with Recycling Avenue, a nonprofit company run by a group of physically challenged young adults who want to help the environment. Call (847) 506-2618.

Coat drive: Arlington Chiropractic Clinic, 1702 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, is sponsoring a coat drive to benefit St. Vincent Depaul Society. Bring in new or gently used adult or children's coats, hats, and gloves 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday or 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Call (847) 259-4493

Winter coat drive: Through Dec. 7, Palatine Police Department, 200 E. Wood St., or the Palatine Opportunity Center, 1585 N. Rand Road. New and gently used winter jackets, hats and gloves, scarves and boots for children ages 17 and under are being collected. Items will be donated to the Palatine Opportunity Center and distributed to needy families within the community. For information, (847) 359-9000.

Holiday book drive: Through Dec. 14; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson. Bring new or like-new unwrapped books for local children in need for ages six and under. Books in English and Spanish are appreciated. Call (847) 253-5675.

Children's book collection: Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton, is collecting new books for children ages infant to age 16 in both English and Spanish. Donations benefit the Wheeling Township Adopt-a-Family holiday basket program. Drop off book donations in the collection bin at the first floor Checkout desk through Dec. 3. Call (847) 506-2613.

Cans for Coupons: Through Tuesday, Dec. 23, Big Jack's Chicago Style Red Hots, 507 N. Hainesville Road, Round Lake Park. Big Jack's and Sign Central are accepting Cans of food for Lake County Catholic Charities. Those donating will receive a 10 percent off coupon for any order from Big Jack's and Sign Central. For information, call (847) 818-9002.

Eli Skinner Chapter, NSDAR: The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is seeking volunteers to make wool caps for the troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and South Korea. Wool head covering which can be worn under the Kevlar helmet provides warmth to the head and neck, but does not restrict vision. Patterns are available at www.geocities.com/helmetliner. For details, contact helmetliner@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 236, Auburn, IL 62615.

Dec. 10

Schaumburg Library blood drive: 1-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, Youth Services classroom of the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road. Sign up by calling Susan Miura at (847) 923-3120.

Used book drive: Through Dec. 12; Elk Grove High School, Arlington Heights Road and Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Benjamin Franklin Chapter of the National Honor Society collecting gently used books for children, teens, and adults for Alexian Brothers Medical Center. To donate, drop off books at Jewel-Osco, Panera Bread, and the Elk Grove Public Library. Call (847) 718-4649 or marybeth.sison@d214.org.

Dec. 11

Brown Bag lunch with U-46 superintendent: Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, Educational Services center, room 235, 355 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The public is invited to lunch with Dr. Jose M. Torres, U-46 school superintendent.

Career Counseling: 9-11:30 a.m., Thursday Dec. 11; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Professional career counselor Edie Kleinman will assist with interviewing skills, resume writing, networking, and other questions pertaining to the job search process. Call (847) 376-2787.

Dec. 13

Coffee with the Supervisor: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Hanover Township, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett. Share your ideas and concerns about township government with Hanover Township supervisor Mike Kelly. Coffee and doughnuts provided. Aurea, (630) 837-0301.

Holiday gift ideas workshop: 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 13; Sunrise of Park Ridge, 1725 Ballard Road. Staff will find the gift that would be most beneficial to loved ones experiencing varying degrees of dementia. Door prizes and a chance to win the display gifts from the workshop. (847) 824-1724

Dec. 17

Meet With Congresswoman Schakowsky's Office: 5-7 p.m., Wednesday Dec. 17; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Ann Limjoco from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's office will answer your personal questions about immigration, visas, Social Security, veterans' benefits, and other government benefits. No appointment needed.

Dec. 28

St. Ansgar blood drive: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, 2040 Laurel Ave., Hanover Park. To schedule an appointment visit givebloodgivelife.org or call Erica at (630) 837-5553, ext. 100.

Jan 15

U-46 community meeting: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, Elgin High School, 1200 Maroon Drive, Elgin. Dr. Jose M. Torres, U-46 school superintendent, hosts an open session to meet with U-46 community members preceding the Citizens' Advisory Council meeting. www.u-46.org.

Jan. 2

Citizens Police Academy: The Streamwood Police Department is inviting residents interested in police work to join their Citizens Police Academy, meeting from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 21 through April 1 at the department, 401 E. Irving Park Road. Learn about the criminal justice system and get tips on deterring crime, as instructors explain how police agencies operate and how residents can become resources for improved community and police relations. Graduates are invited to volunteer for community activities, but the academy does not certify participants as police officers, nor does it give graduates authority to act as police officers. The academy is open to all Streamwood residents 21 or older. Applications are at the police department front desk or at the village hall the deadline to apply is Jan. 2. (630) 736-3712.