NW suburban 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.

Bikes for Needy Kids program: Through Nov. 24, Mikes Bike Shop, 155 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine. Unwanted bikes are taken in, cleaned and tuned up for donation to under privileged children. Donate that bike you haven't ridden in years. For information, (847) 358-0948.

Bingo Bus to Hines Hospital: Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church in Bartlett is forming groups to visit and play bingo with veterans at Hines Hospital in Maywood. If you would be interested in going once a month on a Saturday, call (630) 837-1166 for information.

Food drive: The Barrington Ministerial Alliance has set its sights on gathering 50,000 pounds of food to be distributed through the Northern Illinois Food Bank to food pantries in Cuba, Barrington, and Ela townships as well as Carpentersville and Palatine. The food drive is kicking off in September and will culminate in early October. Join all 13 BAMA churches to help reach the goal.

Volunteers needed: Kenneth Young Center is seeking Vocational program volunteers; resale shop volunteers' a graphic person for special event materials; and Donor Perfect volunteers. For details visit kennethyoung.org.

Prescription drug discount card: The village of Hoffman Estates Department of Health and Human Services is offering free prescription drug discounts cards to Hoffman Estates residents through a program sponsored the National League of Cities. For information, (847) 781-4850; (888) 620-1749 or caremark.com/nlc.

Oct. 7

Social Media Resources for Nonprofits: 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Oct. 7, Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Discussion of the latest strategies and tools being used by nonprofits for marketing and fundraising on the Internet. Includes social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, online resource like Google for nonprofits and other lesser-known but effective services. $30-$30. (847) 228-1320 or volunteerinfo.net.

Oct. 8

Public forum: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, Mount Prospect Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St. Village of Mount Prospect host public forum on the Illinois American Water proposed water rate increase. . For information, contact Robert Besnko, Homeland Security director, Illinois Commerce Commission, (217) 524-5049.

Oct. 9

Environmental Fair: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, Palatine Community Center, 250 E. Wood St. Learn how to reduce your impact on the environment, see what are agencies and businesses are doing and learn about programs and products to assist in your efforts. Palatine Environmental Health Division will collect and recycle compact fluorescent bulbs, sharps, prescription drugs, and mercury thermometers. Sponsored by the Palatine Park District environmental committee. (847) 991-0333.

Oct. 10

Condo/townhome program: 10-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, Schaumburg Township Public Library, 130 S. Roselle Road. The Association of COndominium, Townhouse and Homeowners Associations host the educational program, "Preparing for Winter." Register at (312) 987-1906 or gael@actha.org.

Natural gas safety program: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, Hanover Park Fire Department, 6850 Barrington Road. Nicor Gas participated in fire department open hose to educate the public on natural gas safety. nicorgas.com.

Oct. 12

Watch and eyeglass repair: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Change batteries, remove links, change pins or replace band, minor repairs. (630) 213-0100.

Oct. 15

Essential Emergency Preparedness program: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to instruct citizens how to prepare for a natural disaster. Topics include evaluating hazards and emergencies, developing a plan, assembling a disaster supply kit and identifying community warning systems and evac routes. $18-$23. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Oct. 18

Barrington CROP Walk: Representatives of area churches, schools, businesses and civic organizations are preparing for the 27th annual Barrington Area CROP Hunger Walk, determined to improve upon last year's outstanding performance of 442 walkers and over $65,000 in receipts. The event will place throughout the village of Barrington, beginning at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 401 E. Main St., with registration at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. To learn more, contact one of the event chairs, Pat Enders, representing Salem United Methodist Church at (847) 381-0524 or John Grom, representing Community Church of Barrington, at (847) 381-1294.

Oct. 20

Blood Drive: 3:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, Bartlett Park District, 700 S. Bartlett Road. All donors received a premium Heartland Hooded Sweatshirt. Walk-ins welcome. (630) 540-4889.

Oct. 21

Visual Imparied Support Group: Meets 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Schaumburg Township Disability Services, 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Mary Watkins, rehabilitation counselor from the Bureau of Blind Services speaks about visual rehabilitation and the services they provide. RSVP to Bonnie Sargent, (847) 884-0030, ext. 2022.

Oct. 22

Blood Drive: 1:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Schaumburg School District office, 524 E. Schaumburg Road, (847) 310-8977 or heartlandbc.org.

Oct. 24

HIAS Chicago: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 24, St. Ansgar Church, 2040 Laurel Ave., Hanover Park. Citizens workshop provides free of charge eligibility verification, legal consultation, assistance in completing the N-400 citizenship application and information about citizenship classes. (312) 357-4666.

Nov. 13

Job Fair 2009: 1-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, Spartan Events Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. For inforamtionelgin.edu/jobfair.