Fox Valley briefs

YMCA changes name:

The Greater Elgin Area YMCA has changed its name to Prairie Valley Family YMCA as part of its new strategic priorities and vision. Officials say the change will better reflect the area served by the Elgin YMCA, which was founded in 1866. The Prairie Valley Family YMCA serves more than 3,800 members from Elgin, South Elgin, Gilberts, East Dundee, West Dundee, Carpentersville, Hampshire, Geneva, Streamwood and Bartlett.

Township holds coat drive:

Grafton Township is holding a winter coat drive. The township is collecting coats this month at the following locations: Huntley Park District, 12015 Mill St.; Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center, 10450 Algonquin Road; Castle Bank, 11700 Route 47; National City Bank, 13300 Route 47; McHenry Savings Bank, 10390 Route 47; Hairdoos Salon, 11808 Main St.; Hairdoos Too, 4075 Algonquin Road; Wisteds, 10442 Route 47. Coats will be available at the township offices, 10109 Vine St., Huntley, starting Monday, Nov. 2. Call (847) 669-3328.

Larkin students throw Halloween safety fair:

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. Oct. 31, Larkin High School students participating in the Health Occupation Safety Students of America program will throw their annual Halloween safety fair at the school campus, 1475 Larkin Ave., Elgin. Local children are invited to come play games and learn safety tips before they head out to trick or treat.

Toys for Tots drop-off:

Kim's Black Belt Academy at 5 S. Spring St., Elgin, is a drop-off point for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Unwrapped toys may be delivered to the academy between now and Dec. 12. On the last day of the drive, participants will celebrate their efforts with a breakfast with Santa. For details, call (847) 695-5434.