The briefs

Firefighters, church team up for Katrina

Three homes in New Orleans ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 will receive new cabinetry and countertops through a donation of surplus materials by the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District. A group of 67 community volunteers, organized by St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Barrington and eight other churches in the Northwest suburbs, are delivering the materials to New Orleans this week.

Since 2006, the fire district has donated one fire engine and two ambulances that had been scheduled for deactivation, and delivered several truckloads of items collected through food drives to the region.

David Moll, director of St. Matthew's youth and mission ministries, said skilled volunteers will install the cabinets and countertops; and that volunteers will do a lot of drywall, painting and other reconstruction activities at nearly 20 work sites.

Call (847) 304-3600 for more information, or visit www.bcfpd.org.

Township seniors host benefit gala

The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council will host its annual Caring Hearts Gala, "Journey to Oz," from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive. Proceeds benefit council programs and services. Tickets are $125. (847) 991-1112 or ptscc.org.

Scholarship offer for Bartlett seniors

Applications are currently being taken for the Bartlett Woman's Club annual college scholarship. High school seniors who live in Bartlett are invited to pick up an application from the guidance office at any U-46 high school.

Seniors at other high schools can call Ruth Beckner at (630) 837-8125. Forms are due before April 1.

Scholarships are funded by the Woman's Club annual fashion show, held this year on March. 15. Call Peggy at (630) 830-8407 for tickets.