Briefs: Your coats and toys needed
The South Elgin Fire Protection District has teamed up with the Marine Corps Reserve "Toys For Tots" program to help make sure needy children in the area receive a new toy this holiday season. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off until Dec. 19 at Fire Station 1, 150 W. State St., and Station 2, 2055 McDonald Road. The donation of toys will help less fortunate families in the South Elgin area. In addition to serving as a toy drop-off location, the fire district is again serving as a drop-off site for State Rep. Randy Ramey's annual coat drive. New and gently-used coats for all ages will be collected at both fire stations and distributed to needy families.
Share Christmas cheer with a vet!
The Watch City VFW Post 1307 in Elgin is holding its annual Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 6 and is open to the public. Tickets are $20 in advance (available at the post) or $25 at the door and include a buffet dinner. Entertainment will be provided by Patsy Cline stylist Alice Loftus and Neil Diamond stylist Mike Palmisano. Doors open at 6 p.mm with a cash bar, dinner at 7 p.m. and entertainment from 8 to 11 p.m. Seating is first come, first served, and there will be raffles and dancing. The post is at 1601 Weld Road, just west of McLean Boulevard. Call (847) 888-9809.
U-46 school board nomination forms available
Nominating forms for the April 7 school board election for Elgin Area School District U-46 are now available. Forms may be picked up in the office of the board secretary, Patrick Broncato, at 355 E. Chicago St., in Elgin on business days between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. A school board candidate's petition must be filed in the same office no earlier than 7:30 a.m. Jan. 20 or no later than 5 p.m. Jan. 26. Three seats on the seven-board member board of are up for election. Candidates must reside within the School District U-46 boundaries which include portions of Elgin, South Elgin, Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, Streamwood, Hanover Park, Wayne, Carol Stream, West Chicago, St. Charles and Schaumburg.
Underprivileged kids to get free shoes
Nearly 400 local underprivileged children will receive a pair of shoes during the AT&T Pioneers annual Shoes Project Thursday. The event allows children to visit Famous Footwear at 1021 S. Sutton Road, Streamwood from 8 am to 2 pm, and select a pair of shoes and socks for the winter season. Hanover Park Mayor Rod Craig, members from the Village of Hoffman Estates police and fire department will join AT&T Pioneer volunteers to assist children trying on their shoes. Children will also receive goodie bags and a visit from Santa Claus. Participating schools include: Sheridan Elementary School, Harriett Gifford, Garfield Elementary, Channing Memorial Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Parkwood Elementary, Laurel Hill Elementary, Century Oaks Elementary and John Muir Literacy Academy. The Shoe Project, formerly known as All God's Children Shall Have Shoes, began in the early 1960s when an AT&T technician and his co-workers in the Springfield area saw a need to provide local children with winter shoes.