Community briefs for Dec. 4, 2003

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003 | 8:13 a.m.

Workshop planned on college aid

A free workshop, "9 Ways to Beat the High Cost of College," will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday and from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle.

The workshop will cover such topics as how to double or even triple your eligibility for financial aid, how to locate and apply for every need-based scholarship grant, and low-interest loans that your child may be eligible for, and how to pick the colleges that will give you the best financial aid packages.

The speaker will be Patrick Murray, a nationally renowned college funding expert and author of the book " How to Get All the Money You Need for Your Child's College Education."

The workshop is free, but reservations are required.

Call 396-4104.

Clothing drive to help Shade Tree

In order to support the Shade Tree Shelter in its efforts to help as many women and children as they can, Catherine's Plus Sizes will be accepting donations of gently worn merchandise Saturday during Catherine's Holiday Open House.

The Shade Tree, a nonprofit emergency shelter that assists more than 4,000 women and children monthly, will benefit from the drive at the three Catherine's Plus Size locations.

Call 878-1982, 438-5883 or 260-4161.

Program designed to help grief

Bunkers Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. North, will hold the Tree of Remembrance service at 2 p.m. Saturday to provide support to those who may be struggling through holiday grief.

Some tips that can help the bereaved better cope with the holidays include: volunteering at a local hospital or local food pantry; helping others during a difficult time often helps us to heal ourselves; being open with your family and friends as to what level of celebration you feel comfortable with; and taking part in the Tree of Remembrance service.

Call 385-1441.