Charity Briefs for Oct. 18, 2011

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Updated: November 19, 2011 8:43AM

Here is a look at charity news in the Southland.

School fundraiser: Potbelly restaurant, 13134 S. Cicero Ave., Crestwood, is helping to raise funds for St. Christopher School, 14640 S. Keeler Ave, Midlothian. The school will receive 25 percent of your total bill when you eat at the restaurant from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 19). Potbelly offers a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, shakes, malts, ice cream and other food. The school will receive credit on pickup orders too.

Scavenger hunt: In honor of Make a Difference Week, students at Lincoln-Way North High School will be participating in a scavenger hunt Wednesday (Oct. 19) and Saturday (Oct. 22). Students will be going door to door in the Frankfort area collecting toiletries, cleaning products and nonperishable food items for the Frankfort Township Food Pantry. More than eight student clubs and athletic teams are participating in the event, which has been dubbed “The Help Heal Hunger Hunt!”

Benefit performance: The Chicago Heights Drama Group will have a benefit performance of the Tony Award-winning revue, “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” on Thursday (Oct. 20) on behalf of the Jones Memorial Community Center in Chicago Heights, which needs a new roof on its historic building. The benefit begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Drama Group Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets cost $100 per person. Call Jones Memorial at (708) 757-5395.

Toys for kids: Individuals can schedule an appointment through Thursday (Oct. 20) at New Horizons Family Chiropractic for a chiropractic consultation, exam, computerized nerve scans, full spine X-rays, and a report in exchange for a $25 toy donation to Toys for Tots of Chicagoland. This new patient appointment normally costs $275. Call (815) 464-0104 to schedule an appointment. New Horizons Family Chiropractic, 21000 S. Frankfort Square Road, Unit B, will also be a drop-off location for Toys for Tots during regular business hours.

Jazzing it up: The Eisenhower High School jazz band will host a concert and pasta dinner fundraiser at 6 p.m. Friday (Oct. 21) at the school, 12700 S. Sacramento Ave., Blue Island. Enter through the south end of school at the pool doors and walk to the cafeteria. Proceeds benefit the band program, including the purchase of uniforms and instruments. Tickets are $10, and can be bought at the door or in advance from any jazz band member or band director Justin Antos at (708) 597-6300, Ext. 4095 or Justin.antos@chsd218.org.

Support Sertoma: Sertoma Centre will host its 40th anniversary gala event on Friday (Oct. 21) at Midlothian Country Club. Supporters, friends and neighbors of the agency can help the agency celebrate cherished moments of the past and look forward to the future. Contact the Advancement Department of Sertoma Centre at (708) 371-9700 or visit www.sertomacentre.org for information. To place an advertisement or congratulate Sertoma Centre with a page in the Memory Book, contact Suzan Simmons at (708) 730-6206 or email her at ssimmons@sertomacentre.org. This keepsake book will be handed out to attendees at the 40th anniversary event.

Roar and run: Hickory Hills Lions Club will host the second annual “Roar and Run for Fun” 5K run/walk race at 9 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 22). The start/finish line will be at Hickory Hills City Hall, 8652 W. 95th St. Proceeds from the race will help the Hickory Hills Lions Club in its mission to provide programs and assistance for people who are blind or visually impaired. Visit www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/hickoryhills or contact Vince Uzzardo at (708) 430-2210 or email hickoryhillslions@gmail.com.

Bavarian fest: The Crisis Center for South Suburbia will host a Bavarian Fest fundraising event from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 22) at the Harald Viking Lodge, 6730 W. 175th St. in Tinley Park. The German-themed event will feature live entertainment by Die Musikmeisters from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m., and by the blues band Mojo Daddy from 8:30 to 11 p.m. The event will also include a German-style dinner buffet along with domestic and imported beer and wine. Ticket price (21 and over only) is $35 in advance and includes dinner, three drink tickets and live entertainment. Tickets at the door, if available, are $45 per person. Tickets may be purchased online at www.bavarianfest2011.com. Contact Malina Martin at (708) 429-7255, Ext. 118.

Making a difference: Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., is participating in USA Weekend Magazine’s annual “Make A Difference Day” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 22). Donations will be accepted at the township for veterans residing at the Manteno Veterans Home. Needed items include new sweatpants and large and extra-large sweatshirts, plain cotton socks without elastic, books on tape, spice drops, sugar free and regular cookies, sugar free and regular candy, wheelchair cup holders, powdered drink mixes, wheelchair ashtrays, Fixodent denture adhesive and additional miscellaneous items and monetary donations. Participants can deliver items prior to Saturday (Oct. 22) at Orland Township during office hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Contact (708) 403-4222 or visit www.orlandtwp.org.

Making strides for diabetes: The Frankfort Lions are teaming with Lincoln-Way North High School on Saturday (Oct. 22) for the annual 3-mile Strides: Lions Walk for Diabetes Awareness. The walk will take place at the Lincoln-Way North fieldhouse, 19900 S. Harlem Ave. in Frankfort. Register online at www.frankfortlionsclub.com or at the walk at 8 a.m. The walk begins at 9 a.m. Participants will walk three miles or 27 laps around the fieldhouse track. Donation is $10 per adult, $5 for students, and $1 per person for youth groups. A commemorative T-shirt is available for a $15 donation. Contact Joe Rohaly at (815) 469-6998 or www.frankfortlionsclub.com.

Clothing for soldiers’ families: Pelican Harry’s, 14807 Founders Crossing in Homer Glen, is accepting bags of new or used clothing for military families in need from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 22). There will be food and drink specials. The Operation Home Front Clothes Drive is being supported by Homer Township, Americans for Prosperity, Homer/Lockport Tea Party and the Will County Tea Party Alliance.

Bowling for dollars: The Haleem family and Miracles Made Thru Research will be hosting its third biannual bowling fundraiser Saturday (Oct. 22) at Orland Bowl, 8601 W. 159th St., Orland Park. Along with bowling there will be dinner, a bake sale, raffles and a silent auction. Cost is $30 per person. All proceeds will be donated to Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Miracles Made Thru Research needs the financial support to continue to research for a cure for De Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis. Visit www.haleemfoundation.org.

Candlelight bowl: Good Shepherd Center is having its annual Candlelight Bowl at 9 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 22) at Oak Forest Bowl, 15241 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest. Cost is $30 and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, three games of bowling, Halloween contests, raffles and a silent auction. Bowlers don’t need to sign up with a team; individuals and couples are welcome. Bowlers who register by Thursday (Oct. 20) receive six free raffle tickets. Contact Cheryl at cassise@gscenter.org or (708) 335-0020, Ext. 20.

Walking for Love: Volunteers are holding a walk-a-thon called “The Power of Love” on Sunday (Oct. 23) to raise funds for Aja Love, of Alsip, who needs a kidney transplant. The walk will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Redmond Recreational Complex, 735 E. Jefferson St. in Bensenville. Registration begins at 9 a.m. There is no set entry fee, but participants are encouraged to seek sponsors and pledges for each lap they complete. Free hot chocolate will be provided, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Contact Yahran Love at (773) 412-7919 or yahranl@yahoo.com.

Lotsa pasta: The Order Sons of Italy Leone D’Oro Lodge 2700 will sponsor its 10th Annual Pasta Dinner from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 23) at Tinley Park High School, 6111 W. 175th St. Proceeds go toward the Joseph Caldarone College Scholarship Fund, charity and general lodge activities. The event will include live entertainment by Nino Folino and a meal consisting of pasta, meatballs, salad, bread, dessert and a beverage. There will be door prizes and a raffle. Tickets are $10 in advance and $11 at the door; $5 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children under 5. Contact Ann D’Antonio at (708) 479-1489.

Haircut for cancer: Amato Hair Design, 15954 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park, is doing a cut-a-thon for breast cancer awareness from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 23). Ten percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Contact Brooke Spencer at (708) 429-1787.

Pant for Pantry: Old Plank Trail Community Bank will be hosting its first “Pant for the Pantry” 5K race on Sunday (Oct. 23). The race starts at 8:30 a.m. and will begin at Old Plank Trail’s New Lenox location, 280 Veterans Parkway, near the village hall. Early registers receive $5 off the full registration fee and there is an encouraged donation of at least two nonperishable food items per runner. Children 14 years of age and younger can race for free with a registered adult. Not a runner? Drop off a donation at any of the bank’s locations in the weeks prior to the race. Contact Paul Slade at (815) 485-0001.

Sweet fundraiser: Girl Scouts of Lansing, Lynwood and Calumet City will have a fundraiser at Bakers Square, 3545 Ridge Road, Lansing, from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24. Money raised will help with Scout trips, programs and other activities during the 2011-12 scouting year. Call (708) 895-4344.

Lotsa pasta: The Joliet Catholic Alumni Association, with the support of Mancuso Cheese Co., will be holding a pasta dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 in the JCA cafeteria, 1200 N. Larkin Ave., Joliet. Carryout is available. Entrance for the event will be through the main office. Cost is $10, $8 for seniors and students, and includes pasta with meat sauce, coleslaw, breadstick and dessert. All proceeds will benefit the Helping Hand Fund. Contact alumni relations director Holly Scordo at (815) 741-0500, Ext. 269.

McLiteracy: The Crete McDonald’s restaurant, 1350 E. Steger Road, will donate one new book every week for the remainder of the school year to the school with the most participation in its Fall Fest event, Oct. 28 to 31. Someone from the restaurant will come out and read the book to the classroom. Owner and operator Randy Conn will launch the McKid McRead program at the restaurant on Oct. 30. Kids who bring a book to donate can bring one home.

Spooktacular fundraiser: The Lemont High School Educational Foundation’s signature fundraiser, Food for Thought: Spooktacular — presented by Citgo, will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at The Narnia Estate, 16501 W. 135th St., Lemont. The event will include unlimited food and drink from 6 to 9 p.m. and a cash bar from 9 p.m. to midnight. There also will be a silent auction and raffles. Tickets are $75 each. Contact Pete Coules at (630) 257-2718, or Tricia Gikas at (630) 257-9691.

Crafty show: Heather’s Haus Florist will be hosting a craft show and vendors expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 30 at Tinley Park American Legion Post 615, 17423 S. 67th Court. There will be 20 vendors. Vagabond Hair Salon will be doing feather extensions and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary will be selling food and beverages. Free parking and admission, but donations for care packages for the troops will be accepted. Call (708) 532-1890.

Glitz, glam, giving: Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Center is hosting its 3rd Year in the Ministry Anniversary Fashion Show Gala at 4 p.m. Oct. 30 at Idlewild Country Club in Flossmoor. The fashion show will showcase designs from Mary Knight, of Mystique Boutique, and Larry Connor. Maurice Griffith of BET will entertain. Cost is $60 per person. Visit www.cornerstonefellowshipcenter.org.

Plant It Pink: Join the fight against breast cancer through the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Plant It Pink of Orland Park/Tinley Park program. Volunteers hope to plant 100,000 pink impression tulip bulbs in Illinois during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to honor those who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Through October, pink impression bulbs are available as a premium for an ACSCAN membership donation. Members will receive 10 bulbs for each $20 donation. Visit www.acscan.org/plantitpink or call (708) 633-7770.

Send Santa to troops: A collection drive is taking place throughout October to help “Send Santa to the Troops.” Operation Care Package Inc. in Joliet hopes to send 10,000 Christmas care packages that will include necessities and treats. A $12.95 donation will help ship one care package, a $25 donation will sponsor a package. Donated items for the packages will be accepted through Oct. 31 at several locations. For a list of items being sought and locations accepting donations, visit www.operationcarepackages.org. Contact Tim at (708) 244-3906.

Food drive: Oak Tree Community Church, 15601 Lamon, Oak Forest, will be conducting a food drive to benefit Together We Cope and Operation Blessing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday in October. Bring nonperishable items to help fill a 24-foot trailer. Donations can also be picked up by calling (708) 687-2230.

Power of Pink: J.C. Penney, of Mokena, is offering Power of Pink, a cancer awareness program designed to support the Cancer Support Center based in Mokena and Homewood. Throughout October, anyone who donates $5 or more for the program will receive a pink hair feather. All proceeds from the program will support the Cancer Support Center. Call (815) 277-4062.

Everything pumpkins: The Cancer Support Center will be selling pumpkins at its Homewood location, 2028 Elm Road, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, through Oct. 31. On Oct. 29, The Cancer Support Center also will be hosting a Family Fun Day, where local vendors will be selling seasonal-themed items. The center will also open its facility to children to participate in a costume contest, pumpkin painting and seasonal games. Contact Allison Smith at (708) 798-9171 or asmith@cancersupportcenter.org.

Sip of wine: Wine Styles, 20214 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort, is having a wine-tasting fundraiser to benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of Will County, which provides a child’s voice in the courtroom. The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at Wine Styles. Cost is $20 per person. Visit http://casaofwillcounty.org/donation.shtml or contact Dawn Urewicz at (815) 469-2054.

Adopt a soldier: Marquette Bank is sponsoring the 5th annual Adopt-a-Soldier program, which sends care packages to U.S. soldiers serving overseas. Through Nov. 4, employees, customers and neighbors can donate items to be included in holiday care packages that will be sent to troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Collection bins are available at all 24 Marquette Bank locations. To sign up a soldier to receive a holiday care package, complete a form at any Marquette Bank location. Call (888) 254-9500.

For Extreme Recess: Dreams For Kids will host a fundraiser from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 5 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park. There will be drinks, food, silent auction and live music courtesy of The Remedy, a Black Crowes cover band. The event will bring together 300 Dreams For Kids friends and supporters to raise funds for its Extreme Recess program. Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward buying new water-skiing equipment. Visit www.dreamsforkids.org or call (866) 729-5454.

Bridges & Blues: Bridges & Blues, a benefit to help build the 32-mile Calumet-Sag Trail, will be held from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. Li’l Ed and the Blues Imperials will provide entertainment. Dinner, beer and wine, dancing and an auction will be included. Only 300 tickets are available. Call Steve Buchtel at (708) 365-9365 or visit http://bridgesandblues.org.

Bowling for a cause: The Chicago chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes No Limits Foundation will kick off National Diabetes Month by holding a candlelight bowl fundraiser on Nov. 5 at Orland Bowl, 8601 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. Money raised from the event will be used to conduct Check B4U Drive, which helps teens with diabetes become better drivers. Contact Mark Lippe at (708) 828-4497.

Knock ’em down: The 2011 Knock ’em Down Bowl-a-thon for The Cancer Support Center will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 6 at Thunder Bowl, 18700 Old LaGrange Road, Mokena. Cost is $30 per bowler, which includes shoe rental, T-shirt, pizza and pop. Six bowlers per team, with only 24 teams allowed. The goal is for each bowler to raise $50 in addition to their registration fee. Contact Michelle Paetow at (708) 365-1201.

Cooperstown or bust: The Oak Forest Blue Demons 12-year-old full-time travel baseball team’s annual smoker fundraiser will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Midlothian Park District Gym, 14500 S. Kostner. The team will travel to Cooperstown, N.Y., next summer and is raising funds to help offset travel expenses, tournament fees, uniforms, accommodations and other expenses. The fundraiser will include food, beer, Texas Hold’em, Bunco, raffles and a silent auction. Tickets are $25 each. Call (708) 955-1269.

Viva Las Vegas: A Vegas Night benefiting the Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight Nov. 12 at The Lexington House, 7717 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills. The event will include food, drinks, casino gaming, prizes, live entertainment by Jack D’Amico of the Chicago Rat Pack, and the big money raffle. Event tickets are $50 and include hors d’oeuvres, two drink tickets, gaming chips and live entertainment. You must be 21 to enter.

Mike Hike: The Homer Glen Foundation and the Village Board are planning a 5K run and walk to honor U.S. Army Pfc. Michael Olivieri, a resident who was killed in Iraq earlier this year. The first Mike Hike will coincide with Veterans Day and starts at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 12 at the Menards’ southern outlot, 13956 S. Bell Road. Money raised for the event will support Homer Glen trail improvements and amenities such as benches, signs, landscaping, public safety devices and commemorative plaques to honor local heroes, village officials said. Portions of Homer Glen’s first community trail, which is under construction, will be dedicated to local heroes like Olivieri.

For the troops: The SouthTown 9.12 Project is collecting items for soldiers through Veterans Day. The VFW Post 5079 will host a sorting, packing and shipping party from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at the post, 3200 May St. All donations will be shipped at that time. All items will be shipped to troops serving in the Middle East and all monetary donations will be used to defray shipping costs. Items must be new and unopened. Among the many items sought are ear muffs, batteries, toothpaste and toothbrush, paperbacks and magazines, word game books, aspirin and acetaminophen, beef jerky and power bars.

Seeking Santas: Together We Cope is seeking businesses, organizations, individuals and families to “adopt” a child or children, providing them with Christmas gifts this year from their wish lists. The agency is hoping to provide gifts for 1,600 children. All gifts must be brought to Together We Cope’s office, 17010 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, before Nov. 28. Contact Tina Kessens at (708) 633-5040, Ext. 7231 or tkessens@togetherwecope.org.

Gifts for vets: St. Joseph and St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church is holding its annual Christmas Gift Drive for Homeless Veterans and Wounded Soldiers. Individuals are asked to make up a care package for a homeless veteran and bring it to the church, located at the corner of Greenwood and Oak in Blue Island, beginning on Dec. 1. The vets need new or used warm clothing, personal care items, books and bus passes. The drive culminates with a holiday party at 4 p.m. Dec. 11. Representatives from Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and Hines VA Hospital will be on hand to receive the gifts. Call (708) 528-9862.

Feeling lucky: Tickets are on sale for Park Lawn’s Lucky 5 Grand Drawing, which has a grand prize of $5,000 cash, second prize of $1,500 and third prize of $500. Only 555 tickets will be sold. Tickets cost $50 each. For an additional $15, ticket buyers can participate in a split the pot, where 50 percent of the total will go to the winner and 50 percent to Park Lawn. Winners will be announced at noon Dec. 12. Proceeds benefit Park Lawn Association. Tickets and more information are available by calling (708) 425-6867, or by visiting Park Lawn at 10833 S. LaPorte in Oak Lawn.

Christmas Care: Worth Township is accepting gently used coats at its office, 11601 S. Pulaski, Alsip, from residents, schools and different agencies through Dec. 31 for its Christmas Care Program. These coats are available to families in need. They can be picked up on the second floor of the office.

Clothes drive for military: The Homer Founders Club is sponsoring a clothes drive until the first week of December to help military families through Operation Home Front. Supporting the drive for used and new clothes are Homer Township, Americans for Prosperity, Homer Lockport Tea Party and the Will County Tea Party Alliance. Individuals can drop off coats now at the following locations in Homer Glen: Ace Hardware, 12121 W. 159th St.; Homer Township, 14350 W. 151st St.; State Farm Insurance, 14051 S. Bell; Home Helpers, 15736 S. Bell; T-Time Golf, 13750 W. 159th St.; and First American Bank, 14741 Founders Crossing. Donations are also accepted at Outpost Sports Bar, 14929 Archer, in Lockport. Contact Steve Balich at (815) 557-7196.

Opportunities for animals: The Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge is selling Golden Opportunities Books 2012 for $25 each to raise money for its homeless animals. The books offer 50 percent-off coupons and two-for-one discounts at local restaurants, movies, grocers, sporting events and more. The Chicagoland South Suburban/Northwest Indiana Edition is available at the shelter. Call (708) 636-8586, Ext. 268.

Filling pantries: Working to meet unprecedented demand at its pantries in Worth and Summit, Catholic Charities southwest regional office is accepting donations of food and money earmarked for the pantries at its office, 7000 W. 111th St. in Worth. Call (708) 430-0428.

Keeping kids warm: Together We Cope is seeking donations of new and gently used coats for distribution in its annual children’s winter clothing program. The donations will go to children of families registered with the agency for assistance. All sizes and styles are appreciated, but larger size boys coats are especially needed. Donations can be brought to the agency’s resale shop, Nu2u, at 17010 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park. Contact Pat Hosman at (708) 633-9180 or www.togetherwecope.org

School supplies sought: The American Association of Single Parents is conducting its annual school supply drive. AASP is seeking donations of notebook paper, pens, pencils, crayons, folders, subject notebooks, composition books, book bags, glue sticks, scientific calculators and rulers. Contact Nicole Howell at (708) 705-2430.

Back to School Angels: South Suburban Family Shelter is looking for “Back to School Angels” to adopt a child for back to school needs. Some may need gym shoes or uniforms or specific items that their teacher requests. The shelter is also is accepting gift cards from office supply stores and retailers where school supplies can be purchased. Donors can also send a check payable to South Suburban Family Shelter at P.O. Box 937, Homewood, IL 60430. Those interested in being an angel or looking to volunteer should contact Karen Smith at karenismith@yahoo.com or (708) 755-7952.

New program: Sertoma Centre Inc. hopes to reach a growing population of individuals who have been dually diagnosed with a developmental disability and mental illness. Its new program is a part of the Developmental Training Programs at Sertoma Centre, which will provide the opportunity for individuals to receive group or individual counseling. Participants in the program also will be given alternatives to talk therapies to better suit the needs of a wide range of individuals. Art, sand and play therapy techniques will be utilized for those who struggle with expressing their thoughts and feelings. Also, the utilization of poetry, music, and journaling will be implemented for relaxation and therapeutic interventions. Contact Heather Beckner at (708) 730-6333 or at hbeckner@sertomacentre.org.

Un-fundraiser set: The Lyndsey Whittingham Foundation will not host the annual “Lynzapalooza” fundraising event this year, but will sponsor an “un-fundraiser” in Lyndsey’s name. The foundation will continue its commitments to various causes with funds raised at past events and those received through the 2011 “Un-Fundraiser” campaign. Individuals may make a donation by credit card through a secure PayPal account at www.lyndseywhittinghamfoundation.com or send a check payable to The Lyndsey Whittingham Foundation, P.O. Box 42, Frankfort, IL 60423. The foundation honors the memory of Lyndsey Whittingham, a Frankfort woman who died after being hit by a taxi in Chicago in 2006 at the age of 23. Funds raised are used to provide donations to causes, charities and scholarships in her name. Contact John or Julie Pyle at (815) 474-6391 or email lwf@lyndseywhittinghamfoundation.com.

Gift cards aid shelter: South Suburban Family Shelter is participating in Jewel-Osco’s gift card program. Gift cards are available for purchase in $25, $50 and $100 increments, and the shelter will receive a 5 percent rebate for cards sold by the agency. Payment is made to South Suburban Family Shelter for the face value of the gift card: Proceeds benefit the programs and services provided free of charge to victims of domestic violence and their families. Contact the shelter at (708) 794-2140, Ext. 303, or visit the administrative offices at 18139 Harwood, Homewood.

Tickets for a cause: Sertoma Centre Inc. has joined Tix4Cause.com, a ticket exchange website, to offer a new way for supporters to donate. The Tix4Cause website provides an online platform where ticketholders can donate unwanted tickets to Sertoma Centre and receive a tax deduction. Buyers then purchase these tickets, often at reasonable prices, and Tix4Cause passes 100 percent of the proceeds on to Sertoma Centre. Tix4Cause handles every aspect of customer service including ticket processing and handling. Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park is the first to donate tickets on behalf of Sertoma Centre. The tickets are valued at $140 and include four rounds of open play, 1-18 holes on their course. Sertoma Centre Inc. is a nonprofit agency that provides services to more than 625 individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities and/or mental illness. Contact Melanie Jones at (708) 730-6206, www.sertomacentre.org or visit www.tix4cause.com.

Shop for PADS: South Suburban PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) has joined the network of charitable organizations that turn gently used fashions and accessories into cash at the Spree store at 151st Street and LaGrange Road in Orland Park. All donations of gently used clothing, shoes, jewelry, purses and other accessories donated at the Spree store can earn money for PADS. When individuals drop their items at Spree and select PADS as the charity of their choice, PADS receives a check for these donations. Information: Contact Dawn Thrasher at (708) 754-4357, Ext. 107, or dawn@sspads.org.

Shelter volunteers: South Suburban PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) is seeking volunteers to staff its emergency overnight shelter that will operate at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Chicago Heights this summer. Volunteers will assist with guest services, hospitality, supervision, registration and completion of paperwork. Shelters are open from 6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. Mondays through Fridays through Sept. 30. Volunteers are asked to work a four-hour shift during the overnight hours, once each month. Volunteers also are needed to supply a hot, ready-to-serve evening meal once a month. Information or to volunteer: Call Dawn Thrasher at (708) 754-4357.

Furniture helps Sertoma: Sertoma Centre, with locations in Alsip and Matteson, is seeking donations of furniture for resale at its thrift store. Sertoma will pick up used donated furniture items and provide a receipt for tax purposes. The thrift store sales benefit more than 625 physically or developmentally challenged clients being served at the Sertoma Centre each day. To schedule a pickup, contact Karey Wentz, Thrift Store manager, at (708) 481-5627, or e-mail kwentz@sertomacentre.org.

Replenish the pantry: Elsie’s Pantry, located at Moraine Valley Community Church in Palos Hills, has an ongoing need for canned goods and monetary donations to keep up with the increasing need. Since June 2000, the pantry has served more than 27,000 people living in Palos Hills, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Hickory Hills and parts of Bridgeview, Justice, Orland Park, Willow Springs and Worth. However, donations have decreased over the past two years, forcing the pantry to use its reserves, which, if not replenished, would run out by the end of the year. Canned goods can be brought to the church between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Donations by check may be made to Elsie’s Pantry, 8601 W. 107th St., Palos Hills, 60465. Information: (708) 598-4435.

Free bag of food: New Mercies Community Services was organized in 2003 to provide support services to low-income, elderly and disabled families in south Cook County. The organization operates a food pantry in Midlothian that distributes bags of food twice weekly to this same targeted population. Food distribution is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at New Mercies Community Services, 3824 W. 147th St., Midlothian. Donations to support the service also are sought. Information: Laurie Reed at (708) 606-2864.

Come clean: Together We Cope is seeking donations of personal care items — including shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap and disposable razors — that will be shared with families utilizing food pantry services. Donations of any quantity may be dropped off at 17010 S. Oak Park Ave. Tinley Park. Together We Cope is a nonprofit agency assisting families in temporary crisis from 22 south suburban communities. Information: Suellen or Tina at (708) 633-5040 or www.togetherwecope.org.

Reaching out: Together We Cope in Tinley Park has established an emergency outreach food program with Faith United Methodist Church as a partner. Emergency bags of nonperishable food will be delivered to the Orland Park church to increase outreach to families needing food. The organization seeks to establish similar partnerships with other area churches. Information: Mary Ann Baer at (708) 633-5040.

Furniture pickup: Together We Cope has added an additional day to its schedule for furniture pickups in Tinley Park and nearby suburbs. With pickups on Tuesdays and Fridays, there now is new inventory of gently used furniture twice a week at the organization’s resale shop, located at 17010 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. The shop is open six days a week, and a small donation is requested for furniture pickups. Information: Call the shop at (708) 633-9180 or visit www.togetherwecope.org. Together We Cope is a nonprofit agency assisting families in crisis from 27 south suburban communities.

Help soldiers call home: “Cell Phones for Soldiers” was started by two teenagers to help buy calling cards to send to U.S. military stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world. They are collecting old cell phones and accessories. The cell phones are recycled for cash and proceeds used to buy the calling cards for the soldiers. “Cell Phones for Soldiers” has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. Daniels Printing and Office Supply, 14800 Cicero Ave., Oak Forest, is an official drop-off point for any make or model cell phone. Information: www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

Seeking senior volunteers: The Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Catholic Charities is seeking people 55 or older willing to share their talents and help those in need at a variety of local organizations, mainly in the Joliet Diocese. Catholic Charities will match individual interests with available volunteer opportunities and will provide supplementary insurance, mileage and meal reimbursement during volunteer service. Information: Cindy, (815) 933-7791, Ext. 125.

Donate cell phones: South Suburban Family Shelter is collecting old cell phones to be recycled. The recycling process produces revenue to support the shelter’s services. The Rotary Club of Park Forest has paired up with the shelter to help in the collection process. For a list of donation sites, visit www.rotaryofparkforest.org and click on “cell phone locations,” or www.ssfs1.org and click on “donate.”

Wendy’s Night: VFW Post 177 MacDonald-Linn has a fundraiser between 5 and 8 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month at the Wendy’s Restaurant at 79th Street and Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview. Proceeds benefit the VFW National Home for Children, located in Michigan. Participants simply order food (drive-through or sit-in) from Wendy’s during this time period, and Wendy’s donates a portion of its profits to this cause.

Food for victims: South Suburban Family Shelter is in need of nonperishable food items such as canned soups, vegetables and fruit for its clients who are experiencing domestic violence. Personal hygiene products (regular, not sample size please) are also needed. Donations may be dropped off at 18139 Harwood, Homewood. Please call ahead before dropping off items. Contact the shelter at (708) 794-2140, Ext. 303.