Jaycees take applications for donations program

The Palatine Jaycees work hard all year at projects like the Christmas tree sale, haunted house, sand sale, and Fourth of July festival to raise money to benefit the community. And this is the time of year when they decide to whom they will donate money.

The Jaycees are accepting applications from Palatine residents and local community organizations in need of financial assistance as part of their annual Community Donations Program.

"Historically, these awards have ranged from $100 to $5,000," said Kristin Bureta, chairwoman of the program. "The requests for assistance have been for medical or utility bills; training equipment; housing; clothing; senior citizen assisted living care; and many other worthwhile programs. We receive applications from both individuals and groups like Little Sisters of the Poor and Shelters Inc."

Individuals and organizations should submit written proposals to the Community Donations Committee for consideration, including the amount requested and a brief description of how the funds will be used, Bureta said. Proposals must be received no later than Feb. 22. Visit the Web site for application information at www.palatinejaycees.org. Send requests to Palatine Jaycees, Community Donations Committee, P.O. Box 1517, Palatine, IL 60078-1517. Call (847) 604-0288 for more information.

Stock up on books: The Friends of the Palatine Library Winter Used Book Sale will be today, Saturday and Sunday. Sale hours are from 6 to 9 p.m. today with a $5 admission charge for nonmembers; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free on Saturday and Sunday. All proceeds benefit the Palatine Public Library District.

Update: For those who might be interested, I managed my two hours of cycling at the Buehler YMCA's War on ALS Spin-a-thon last Saturday without any problems. More impressively, my cycling instructor, Katie Sweeney, managed all 10 hours on a bike that day. (I hear they did allow her bathroom breaks). Not only that, but the next morning, she was back on a bike, teaching her Sunday morning cycling class … talk about dedication. Thank you to everyone who participated and donated to this worthy cause.