Firefighters, schools collect food

The Countryside Firefighters Association and Hawthorn Elementary District 73 representatives collected an estimated 500 pounds of canned and dry food during a charity drive last week, officials announced. The items will be donated to local food pantries. The event was so successful, the Countryside Fire Protection District firefighters and school officials plan to hold a second food drive during the 2015-16 term, according to a news release. Items still can be donated at either Countryside fire station. They're at 600 Deerpath Drive in Vernon Hills and 801 S. Midlothian Road in Mundelein.