Donate gifts for soldiers at church choir concert

A local choir and VFW post have joined forces to help U.S. troops serving abroad this holiday season get the things they need.

The Spirit of Life Chorus and the Des Plaines VFW Post 2992 are putting on a series of free concerts throughout the suburbs.

At the concerts, the chorus of more than 100 members collects items from "A Soldier's Wish List," a list of items that soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq need.

Volunteers from the VFW post then ship the items off to the troops.

The most recent concert was at St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntley. The almost 1,000 people who attended donated 3,544 items valued at more than $10,000.

This will go a long way toward meeting the choir's goal of collecting $25,000 in items for the soldiers.

For a schedule of the chorus' upcoming concerts and for a list of items you can bring, visit www.spiritoflifechorus.org.

Shelter holds gift drive

Looking for a feline or canine companion to join your family this holiday season?

You'll have a chance to adopt a cat or dog at a series of upcoming events from the Animal House Shelter in Huntley.

The first is the "Giving Paws Thanksgiving Gift Drive" Saturday. You can adopt animals or donate pet items or money to the shelter from noon to 5 p.m. at the Woodstock Wal-Mart, 1275 Lake Ave.

Next Saturday, the Dog House of Barrington, 340 S. Lageschulte St., is hosting the grand opening of its indoor dog park.

You can bring your dog to play with other pooches, donate to the Animal House Shelter and view pets that are looking for a home.

The final event -- "Come Meet Santa Paws and Mrs. Claws" -- will be from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Animal House Shelter, 13005 Ernesti Road.

The event is the shelter's first holiday open house. You can meet the shelter's animals, staff and volunteers; get a massage for your pet; buy pet clothing and gourmet treats; or get holiday photos of your pet with Santa Paws.

Brunch at Huntley church

I've written a lot about the First Congregational Church in Huntley.

That's because the historic church is always putting on events for the community, with an emphasis on music and drama.

The next event at the church won't feature any music, but it's related.

The church's four handbell choirs will be hosting their annual Bells' Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $3.50 for children 12 and younger. You can buy tickets from bell choir members, the church office or at the door. Ticket sales help raise money for the choirs' trip to the next Bell Festival.

The church is at the corner of Main and Church streets in downtown Huntley. Use the Church Street entrance to attend the Bells' Brunch.

For details, call (847) 669-3691.