Briefs: Buy books, help kids
Shoppers at the Borders bookstore at 1660 S. Randall Road in Geneva can give $1 or more with their purchase to the Geneva school district's literacy programs. The Holiday Literacy Donation program is sponsored by State Librarian Jesse White and the Illinois Literacy Foundation. It runs through Dec. 31.
Get your tree
The LaFox Civic Organization is selling Christmas trees from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays until Christmas On LaFox Road between Keslinger Road and Route 38. A part of the proceeds will be donated to Lazarus House shelter in St. Charles. Winter jackets are also being collected for charity. A $5 discount will be given with a donation.
Snow removal change
Geneva public works has changed its snow removal and salting practice. When snowfall is less than 1 inch, and plowing operations are not necessary, salt will be applied lightly to snow emergency routes, school areas, hills, curves and intersections that have stop signs. And secondary streets, cul-de-sacs, alleys and dead-end streets will receive less salt this year overall. Geneva does not mix sand in to stretch its salt because sand is not a de-icing agent, it damages the stormwater sewer system, it bounces off the pavement into the curb area and has to be cleaned up in the spring, according to the policy, which may be found on the city's Web site, geneva.il.us, under the "streets and sidewalks" page.
Your coats and toys needed
The South Elgin Fire Protection District has teamed up with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program to help make sure needy children in the area receive a new toy this holiday season. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off until today at Fire Station 1, 150 W. State St., and Station 2, 2055 McDonald Road. The donation of toys will help less fortunate families in the South Elgin area. In addition to serving as a toy drop-off location, the fire district is again serving as a drop-off site for state Rep. Randy Ramey's annual coat drive. New and gently-used coats for all ages will be collected at both fire stations and distributed to needy families.