Put your heart into upcoming food drive

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BARRINGTON COLUMNIST

Updated: February 27, 2012 8:10AM

This year I am putting out an earlier reminder about the 12th annual Have a Heart Food Drive to benefit the food pantries of Barrington and Cuba townships. Put Feb. 11 on your calendars and please deliver whatever you are able to collect to the Barrington Countryside Fire Station No. 1 in the public safety building, 400 N. Northwest Highway in Barrington, between 9 a.m. and noon. Donations will be divided equally between the two townships.

Local residents always have been incredibly generous toward the food pantries, which now offer provisions to more individuals and families affected by tough economic times.

Here is a recap of what is needed (and can be dropped off in township offices at any time): nonperishable foods and household items including peanut butter, jelly, dry cereal, canned meats, canned tuna and chicken, canned fruit, dried pasta, tomato sauce, instant coffee, microwave popcorn, fruit juice, snack foods, cookies, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrushes and $10 gift cards for grocery stores and gas stations. Pet food also might be accepted, so ask.

If you are not able to participate the day of the drive, remember that Cuba Township office hours are 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 28000 W. Cuba Road (847-381-1924). Additional assistance is provided through the Cuba Cares Fund, which is able to receive donations as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit.

The townships know that residents do indeed have big hearts and are profoundly grateful for any and all contributions.

Julia Rock and Scout project

In response to my inquiry, I received an informative note from Claire Leininger about our mutual dear friend Julia Rock and some early information about local plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts.

Julia Rock, formerly of North Barrington, is now a several-year resident of Lake Barrington Woods. Readers of this column will recall that Julia enjoyed a wonderful celebration two years ago for her 80 years in scouting, and that she was the inspiration for collecting and preserving memorabilia of the Girl Scouts in the Barrington area, a task that Claire and Mia Mehta now share with enormous dedication.

Claire reports that Julia is leading a quiet and comfortable life, with weekly visits from son Fred, who lives in Chicago, and as often as possible daughter Joyce, who lives in California. She joins in singing sessions when a pianist comes to play for her, especially enjoying the carols at Christmastime.

Anniversary tea

The Barrington Service Unit will celebrate the anniversary with “Tea with Juliette” (Low, Scout founder) at Concord Banquets in Deer Park with a historical fashion show. Also in attendance will be Peggy Rogers, a well-known Juliette Low interpreter. More details are forthcoming from Claire, which I will share with you in a future column.

Meanwhile, I love to hear from readers with items of interest for this column. Email to Barbaralbenson@aol.com, or mail to P.O. Box 1218, Barrington, IL 60011.