Work day | Chicago

Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to noon March 15 at Powderhorn Prairie.

FYI: Call Alice Brandon at (312) 238-4221 or e-mail alice@fotfp.org.

Preserve cleanup | Burnham

Volunteers are needed from 1 to 3 p.m. March 15 to help clean up the lakeshore and prairie at Lake Powderhorn Forest Preserve on Brainard Avenue. This event is sponsored by the Calumet Ecological Park Association.

FYI: Call John Pastirik at (773) 991-0613 or Judy at (773) 646-4773.

Community service | Chicago Heights

Nominations are being accepted for two annual Prairie State College community service awards. The first is the Dr. James H. Griffith Community Service Award, given to a 2008 Prairie State College graduate. Each nominee must be a person or group who has contributed in an extraordinary way to the community. The second award is the Michael R. Monteleone Community Service Award, given to a community member of the Prairie State College district. Each nominee must be a person or group who has contributed in an extraordinary way to education through community service, as either a volunteer or a community leader. A nominee's service efforts should be within the PSC district, although additional activities in other areas would be recognized. Also, the nominee should not be employed in the community service or public service field. All nominations must arrive at the PSC President's Office no later than April 4.

FYI: To receive a nomination form or for more information, call Pat Trost at (708) 709-3637.

Paper needed | Chicago Heights

South Suburban Humane Society is in need of all types of clean, dry paper for recycling. They are collecting magazines, shopping catalogs, newspapers, office and school papers and junk mail. Drop items off in the green and yellow bins, just south of the building at 1103 W. End Ave.

FYI: Call (708) 755-7387.

Silent auction | Chicago

St. Florian School, 13110 S. Baltimore Ave. in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood, is having its seventh annual March Madness silent auction March 8 in the gym. Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door and the meal is catered by Steve's Lounge.

FYI: Call (773) 646-2868.

Donor drive | South Holland

The South Suburban College Foundation recently completed its 2007 donor drive with more than $105,000 in donations marking its second highest fundraising total in its history. One-hundred percent of donations are used for scholarship funds for SSC students. The 2008 Scholarship Books and Applications are now available in the Foundation Office, Room 1245. The primary deadline for applications is March 28, while graduating high school students can apply at any time. A variety of scholarships are available for incoming high school students, current SSC students and returning adults. The majority of scholarships are awarded annually in May for the following summer, fall, and spring semesters, while high school scholarships are awarded year-round.

In addition to scholarships, SSC offers a variety of tuition waivers including those for returning adults and high school students. Last year the SSC Foundation awarded more than 250 scholarships totaling more than $100,000.

FYI: Contact Patrick Rush at (708) 596-2000, ext. 697.

Fundraiser | Thornton

A St. Baldrick's fundraiser will take place at 6 p.m. March 8 at the American Legion Post at 109 N. Williams St. The evening will include free pizza, cash bar, a DJ and headshaving. It will be honoring Victor Villarreal from Calumet City, a boy who suffers from neuroblastoma. Victor's 6-year-old brother will be getting his head shaved to help raise funds and show support for his brother. Bottom's Up Sports Bar & Grill has begun a contest with the American Legion to see whose customers and employees could raise more funds. Donations are sought.

FYI: Call (708) 418-3877 or visit www.stbaldricks.org.

Dinner | Chicago

St. Hedwig's Church will have its St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 9 at the church, 3320 E. 134th St. in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood. The dinner takes place with the church's monthly penny social. Pierogi will be available.

FYI: Call (773) 646-0300.

Fashion show | Lansing

The 10th annual fashion show and dinner to benefit Restoration Ministries' Tabitha House will be held at 6 p.m. March 11 at the Serbian Social Center. The theme for this year's show is "Paris in the Spring." Tickets are $45 and tables of 10 are available. More than 400 women are expected to attend. Fashions are from Hansen's Villa in Manhattan and Coldwater Creek in Orland Park. Located in South Holland, Tabitha House is a safe home for women with histories of drug addiction. During their time in this free 18-month program, women overcome their addictions, build employment and life skills, and develop ties to the Christian community.

FYI: For information or tickets, call (708) 333-3370.

TROOP DONATIONS | Highland

Cars Collision Canter, Porters Restoration, Glass America and Enterprise host a Support Our Troops Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 12 at Langel's Pizza, 2833 Highway Ave. The lunch is not open the public, but area residents may contribute through cash donations or bringing items during the lunch. Items that will be accepted include nonperishable food such as breakfast bars, hard candies individually wrapped, nuts, microwavable popcorn, tuna, salsa and canned dips and instant oatmeal. Personal items such as hand lotion, sun screen, Visine, dental floss, Desitin, toothbrushes, bath gels, throat lozenges, nonaerosol insect repellent, baby wipes and other items will be accepted. Travel sizes are good. Other suggestions are new magazines, AA and AAA batteries, yo-yos, books, beach balls, disposable cameras, electronic handheld games, decks of cards, travel-size games, crossword books and AT&T phone cards.

FYI: Call (219) 738-2590.

Fundraiser | Crete

Tickets are now available for the third annual Win, Place and Show Your Support Fundraiser sponsored by the Homewood Foundation for Educational Excellence. The event takes place at 5:30 p.m. March 15 at Balmoral Park, 26435 S. Dixie Highway.

In addition to Balmoral racing, the evening's activities include a buffet dinner and silent auction. All proceeds support the Homewood Foundation for Educational Excellence that provides grants to fund innovative learning projects in Homewood's public elementary schools.

FYI: Tickets are $45 per person and can be obtained by calling Shelley Peck at (708) 647-2390.

Blood drive | Calumet City

Heartland Blood Centers will have a blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon March 16 at Our Lady of Knock Church, 501-163rd St. To be a blood donor, individuals must be at least 17 years old or 16 with written parental permission; weigh at least 110 pounds; be symptom free of cold, flu and allergies; and be in general good health. Donors who have traveled outside the United States within the past 12 months should contact Heartland to determine eligibility. Registration will take place in the Footsteps in Faith module behind the school. Walk-ins are welcome. The church office can be reached at (708) 862-3011.

FYI: Call (800) 7 TO GIVE or visit www.heartlandbc.org.

FREE CLOTHING | Hammond

Christian Fellowship Church opens its free clothing outlet from 9 a.m. to noon the second Friday of each month at 605 165th St. Clean, gently worn clothing donation is accepted during office hours.

FYI: Call (219) 931-5177.