Waukegan attorney seeks help with gift drive

A Waukegan attorney is hoping you will keep the less fortunate in mind this year when filling out your holiday shopping list.

Elliot Pinsel has started his 17th annual gift drive for people in need, many of whom have no one to remember them.

This year, Pinsel has more than 500 paper “ornaments” with gift suggestions and the first name of the designated recipient written on them.

Donors take the ornaments, buy and wrap the gifts, then take them to the law offices of Daniels, Long and Pinsel in Waukegan by Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Then, Pinsel and his helpers deliver the gifts to clients of the Ann Kiley Center, Arden Shore, Staben House and Center, the Department of Children and Family Services, Catholic Charities, the Mary Pat Maddox Home and PADS.

Cash donations are also welcome.

For details, call Pinsel at (847) 623-5900.

Volunteers needed

Court Appointed Special Advocates is seeking volunteers to help abused and neglected children navigate the waters of the Lake County juvenile court.

CASA volunteers work with the youth and help judges decide what is in their best interests in terms of custody and general welfare.

A 40-hour training course is provided for all volunteers before their assignment as advocates.

For details about becoming a CASA volunteer, call (847) 808-9154 or visit casalakecounty.com.

Heard in the hallway

Hail and farewell to former Assistant State's Attorney Brett Henne, who has left the prosecutor's office to join the Libertyville office of Swanson, Martin and Bell.