Humanitarian | Chicago

Sandra Burkhardt, professor of psychology at St. Xavier University, has received the 2008 Venerable Mary Potter Humanitarian Award. Burkhardt was honored at the Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Center's Crystal Heart Ball held Feb. 2 at The Field Museum. The Venerable Mary Potter Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals whose personal and professional accomplishments embody the ideals, vision and mission of the founder of the Little Company of Mary Sisters.

Burkhardt's award recognizes her support of families of children with autism spectrum disorders. Her work involves research, clinical services and community outreach. She founded Project Respect, an educational and recreational program supported by the Community Outreach Program of the Psychology Department of St. Xavier University. Project Respect aims at heightening community awareness of autism spectrum disorders and their impact on families.

Burkhardt is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood disorders. She is the first woman in Illinois to achieve specialty board certification in clinical child and adolescent psychology. She is a fellow of the Academy of Clinical Psychology and the Illinois Psychological Association. She is a past recipient of the St. Xavier Award.

CANCER BENEFIT | Dyer

A fundraiser for an employee of Community Hospital being treated for cancer is set for 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 21 at Cold Stone Creamery, on U.S. 30 just east of Calumet Avenue. Coupons to donate up to 30 percent of purchases made are available from hospital co-workers and at Cold Stone Creamery that day. Coupons must be obtained before making a purchase. Anyone who uses a coupon will be entered in a drawing for a Cold Stone cake donated by Cold Stone Creamery. Gift baskets also are being raffled with themes of beauty, date night, movie night and wine. Raffle tickets cost $1 each or six for $5. The gift baskets will be on display at the store all day. Winners don't need to be present to win. Hospital co-workers will be at the store to sell raffle tickets and answer questions.

FYI: Call (219) 865-9733.

SWEETHEART SALES | Gary

Northwest Indiana Habitat for Humanity invites the public to shop through Feb. 16 at the ReStore, 6114 W. Ridge Road, just east of Colfax and Ridge Road. Take part in discounts up to 50 percent off, enter a drawing for giveaways and enjoy refreshments. Sale items can include appliances to furniture, cabinets and windows and everything in between. The ReStore is a source for quality used construction and surplus building materials and gently used home furnishings. Items are available to the public as well as to landlords, contractors and suppliers. Proceeds help fund the construction of Habitat houses within the community. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people from all walks of life to develop communities with God's people in need by building and renovating houses to provide decent housing for everyone.

FYI: Call (219) 923-7265.

Paper collection | Chicago Heights

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

FYI: Call (708) 755-7387 or visit www.sshspets.org.

Community meal | Calumet City

St. Victor Church sponsors a community meal from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday afternoons in the rectory hall of the church, 554 Hirsch Ave. Anyone in need is welcome. Volunteers are needed to help serve the meals.

FYI: Call (708) 474-3883.

FOOD DRIVE | Hammond

Greater Hammond Community Services and Hammond Parks and Recreation Department have teamed up to host a food drive in an effort to replenish the food pantry that serves Hammond and the surrounding community. Nonperishable food items can be brought until April 15 to the lobby at City Hall, 5925 Calumet Ave.; Hammond Fitness Center, 5825 S. Sohl Ave.; and Jean Shepherd Community Center, 3031 J.F. Mahoney Drive. No clothing or paper products are needed.

FYI: Call (219) 853-6378.

LEAP INTO BASEBALL | Whiting

The Bull Pen Club for the Whiting Oilers will sponsor a fundraiser to kick off the baseball season. The event is 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 29 at American Slovak Club hall, 1324 119th St. Admission is free. Food will be served and a cash bar will be available. The Bull Pen Club will take orders for Whiting merchandise, (hats, decals, lawn signs, etc.).

FYI: Call (219) 659-7215.

FOLDERS NEEDED | Munster

Humane Society Calumet Area seeks donations of two-pocket folders. The society provides a folder of information for each animal adopted from the shelter. Items may be dropped off at the shelter, 421 45th St.

FYI: Call (219) 922-3811.