Briefs: Toys needed for community toy giveaway

For more than 20 years the Elgin Community Holiday Toy Giveaway, a community sponsored event, has collected and distributed more than 5,000 toys & gifts to 2,500 children from more than 900 families in Elgin and South Elgin. Organizers are anticipating the need for even more gifts this year. New toys or monetary donations to purchase toys are acceptable; and a list of toys is available on the Community Crisis Center website at www.crisiscenter.org. Monetary donations can be sent to the Community Crisis Center, P.O. Box 1390, Elgin, IL 60121-1390; designate Toy Giveaway in the memo field. Toys can be dropped off at three locations: Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin Township Office, or Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in Elgin. This year's toy giveaway is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin. For details, call Lea at (847) 742-4088.

Know anyone serving in Middle East?

Central High School Service Club is looking for addresses of families or friends in the Burlington or Hampshire area who are currently serving in the military in Iraq or Afghanistan. They are planning on sending care packages this month for those serving our country. The packages will arrive in time for the holidays. Send addresses c/o Sue Zagorski, Central High School, P.O. Box 68, Burlington, IL 60109 or email to szagorski@burlington.k12.il.us.

Ready to run?

Nomination packets are available online for people seeking a spot on Pingree Grove's village board. Visit www.elections.il.gov and download the 2009 candidates' guide. The deadline to fill everything out is Jan. 19. You'll need to turn your forms to village hall and the last day to do that is Jan. 26.