Gift cards | Lansing

LARC, which serves people with developmental disabilities, conducts a SCRIP program on a monthly basis. This is a program where participants purchase gift cards to gas stations, restaurants and retail locations and LARC receives a percentage of the sale as profit to be used as a fundraiser.

The last order before Christmas will need to be delivered to LARC by Dec. 5.

FYI: For an order form, stop by LARC at 19043 Wentworth Ave. or call Garry Buell at (708) 474-1540.

Giggle Palooza | Calumet City

The fourth annual Giggle Palooza is at 8 p.m. Nov. 29 at Harry O's, 816 Burnham Ave. The cost is $5 and includes door prizes, raffles, live performance by the Inominables. Proceeds will benefit the Calumet City Youth Organization, formerly the Calumet City Civic League.

FYI: Visit www.calcityyouth.org or call (708) 969-2296.

Toy drive | Calumet City

The 2nd Ward will sponsor a toy drive now through Dec. 22. All residents are welcome to participate. Calumet City Resources will also distribute these toys to needy children in Calumet City. Drop off location is First Savings Bank of Hegewisch, 1100 Sibley Blvd.

Dinner dance | Calumet City

St. Victor Parish - Our Lady of Guadalupe Society will host a dinner-dance in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 13. The community is invited to appreciate the various activities associated with this celebration in order to continue to foster an environment of mutual understanding and respect within the different cultural groups that live in Calumet City. The dinner-dance will be held in the Church Hall; reception starts at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. and dance from 9 p.m. to midnight. The event will feature live entertainment, music, cash bar and a raffle. Tickets are being sold for the event at $25 each.

FYI: Call (708) 891-8920.

Bingo | Chicago

Bingo takes place every Sunday at St. Florian School Gym, 131st Street and Houston Avenue in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Games start at 2:30 p.m. It will continue throughout the school year. It is smoke-free and free coffee is available.

FYI: Call (773) 646-2868.

Soup supper | Lansing

A soup supper is from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at First United Methodist Church, 18420 Burnham Ave. It's $6 for adults, $4 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 12 and younger.

FYI: Call (708) 474-1144.

Ladies Night Out | Lansing

In support of the Hospice of the Calumet Area, Waters Edge Garden and Pond Center will be holding its second Ladies Night Out from 6 to 9 .m. Dec. 5. A $5 donation is requested. All donations plus 10 percent of that day's sales will be donated to the Hospice of the Calumet Area. Vendors such as Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, Edible Arrangements and more will also be helping raise money. Door prizes and raffles will be also be held. Wine and cheese will be served. RSVP.

FYI: Call (708) 895-2554.

Gift collection | Hammond

Our Family Center, 820- 171st St., is organizing Gift of Hope '08, designed to collect and distribute Christmas gifts to families in need. The organization's goal is to collect more than 700 gifts for 250 recipients. Volunteers are also needed to help with distribution on Dec. 20.

FYI: For a list of needed items or to volunteer, call (219) 852-4067 or e-mail ourfamilycenter@att.net.

BENEFIT DINNER | Highland

A benefit dinner for Cierra Hernandez will be held Nov. 29 at Chela's Mexican Kitchen, 3325 45th Ave. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. Cierra is a 7-year-old girl from Crown Point who has been fighting Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a rare form of leukemia, since January. Proceeds will benefit her family. Tickets, available at the door, are $10 and include a dinner of various Mexican specialties. There will be a DJ and raffle for cash prizes.

FYI: Call (219) 924-6833.

Fish fry | St. John

St. John Veterans of Foreign Wars 717 and Ladies Auxiliary will have a fish fry from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the post home, 10400 W. 93rd Ave. Everyone is welcome. Carry-outs are available.

FYI: Call (219) 365-8224.