Organizers and trustees used the Dec. 2 Village Board meeting to thank volunteers behind two holiday efforts: the 21st annual "Britney's Trees" and the village's Christmas sharing distribution. An organizer who addressed the board described a sizable donation effort and details for an upcoming fundraiser.

A public commenter who identified their family as collectors for Christmas sharing described multi-week collection activity and the household's role as a drop-off point. The organizer said last year's total was 2,310 items and that the current total of toys and personal-care donations stood at roughly 2,666, with about 124 additional dog and cat essentials, an increase of about 480 units over the prior year. "So we're sitting at 480 over what we did last year," the organizer said.

Trustees and the mayor praised the volunteer-run Britney's Trees program; Trustee Guthrie said volunteers set up thousands of trees since the program began in 2005 and highlighted cross-generational involvement. Trustees also acknowledged public works and first responders for snow clearing during the weekend of deliveries.

Village Manager Omar and staff reminded the board that Christmas sharing distribution is scheduled for Dec. 10 and reported more than 200 family sign-ups representing over 400 children who will receive food and gifts. A fundraiser at Legends Pizza was promoted for Dec. 10 to support the effort.

What happens next: organizers will complete sorting and distribution for the Dec. 10 event and the fundraiser will proceed as announced. Trustees asked staff to share information publicly (the board discussed posting details on the village website and social media).