Briefs: Huntley census begins Friday

Special census enumerators will begin going door-to-door through Huntley Friday to conduct interviews as part of a special census to determine the village's current population.

Interviewers will be walking through neighborhoods from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. They will be asking residents five questions, and the interview should take about seven minutes.

Answers are private. All interviewers have passed background checks and are required to display Census Bureau identification badges.

Huntley officials expect census results will help the village qualify for additional federal and state funding.

Toys for Tots drop-off open in Elgin

The Marine Corps League Elgin Detachment 077, in partnership with Elgin Township, has designated Elgin Township Government Building at 729 S. McLean Blvd. as a Toys for Tots drop-off center.

Only new unwrapped toys will be accepted from Friday, Nov. 7 through Monday, Dec. 15. The building is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If you wish to make a donation, make checks payable to Marine Corps League Elgin Detachment 077 (Toys for Tots) and mail to Elgin Township, 729 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin 60123.

Volunteers needed for Dickens festival

West Dundee trustees are looking for residents to help organize the Dickens in Dundee Festival in December.

People who volunteer will plan the schedule, contact local civic groups to put on some events, and organize sponsors for the 2-day festival, scheduled for Dec. 5 and 6.

"Dickens is an important event for the township," said West Dundee Village Manager Joe Cavallaro. "We've always been lucky by having enthusiastic residents help us with all the work that is involved with putting it on. This is one festival that takes an entire community to plan."

Volunteers will be expected to attend monthly meetings. Anyone interested should call Cavallaro at the West Dundee village hall, (847) 551-3800.