Museum exhibit on Lao community opens Sept. 15

The Elgin History Museum will celebrate the unveiling of its new exhibit on Elgin’s Lao community at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15.

“Laotian Immigration to Elgin: From Refugees to Residents” was curated by Ket Herana, director of programs and public relations for Open Door Health Center of Illinois in Elgin and a member of the local Lao community.

The exhibit explores how the Elgin Laotian community grew and thrived following the end of the Vietnam War in the mid-1970s and offers a look at traditional Lao cultural practices, symbols and costuming. Herena will be at the opening to discuss the exhibit.

Faith-based organizations, including the Elgin-based Church of the Brethren, helped refugees come to the U.S. There are now more than 10,000 people of Laotian heritage living in the Elgin area, according to the Lao American Organization of Elgin.

The Sept. 15 opening is free and open to the public. It will include a performance of traditional dances and light refreshments.

To register to attend, go to elginhistory.org/event/laotian-immigration-to-elgin-from-refugees-to-residents-exhibit-opening/.

Online fundraiser marks D300 pantry anniversary

An online fundraiser in recognition of D300 Food Pantry’s five-year anniversary has been launched on Facebook.

The pantry began began in August 2016 and serves students who attend Community Unit School District 300 schools, their families and district employees. The nonprofit is run by volunteers and relies on donations to operate.

D300 Food Pantry is located inside Carpentersville Middle School, 100 Cleveland Ave. More than 700 families are registered with the pantry, which serves about 80 families each week.

To make a donation, go to www.facebook.com/donate/959768124569901/. For more information on the pantry, go to www.d300foodpantry.org.

[subhead]Literacy Connection holding ‘pirate’ fundraiser at Elgin library[/subhead]

The Literacy Connection is hosting a pirate-themed fundraiser from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.

Pirate Island Trivia Night will feature a trivia game, a treasure hunt and networking inside the downtown library, which will be closed to the general public for the event. People can also participate online.

The 38-year-old Elgin-based Literacy Connection offers its free services in 16 communities, using volunteer tutors to teach people basic English language skills.

Tickets are $25 for those participating online and $50 to attend in person and can be purchased via a link at www.elginliteracy.org.

For more information, call 847-742-6565, Ext. 5975.