Gifts, gift cards, donations needed at Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes will hold a “Shop For Your Kids Day” so that the children of their clients from Ayer, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, Shirley, and Devens can celebrate the holidays with gifts and toys. It will be held Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Bob Eisengrein Community Center (formerly known as the Devens Community Center), 100 Sherman Avenue, Devens. Last year, just over 200 clients shopped from a wide selection of new toys, books, jewelry, and gift cards, all donated by residents of nearby towns. Thanks to the efforts of more than 100 volunteers working to prepare and run the event, almost 500 children received gifts from their parents or guardians; many of these children would not have received anything without this program.
Needed are new, unwrapped gifts valued up to $25, or gift cards in denominations of $10, $15, or $25. Checks are also appreciated: write “SFYK” in the memo line and mail it to Loaves & Fishes, P.O. Box 1, Ayer, MA 01432. For a list of the most desired toys, books, stocking stuffers, and gift cards, go to www.loavesfishespantry.org.
Toys can be dropped off at the Harvard Post Office, Donelan’s Supermarkets in Groton and Littleton, or at Loaves & Fishes (located at 234 Barnum Road, Devens) during any open-pantry session. (For hours, go to the pantry’s website.) Toys or gift cards can also be dropped off at the Rogers Center Monday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m.; Sunday and Monday, Dec. 7 and 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. The last day for toy donations at the pantry is Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Those who would like to organize a toy drive for this cause should contact Karen or Deb at LFShop4YourKids@gmail.com.
Public invited to kindergarten-wing forum
The School Committee will hold a public forum to discuss the kindergarten-wing project Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Hildreth Elementary School library.
Student volunteers
needed for
Camp Sunshine
Students who will be 16 years old by June 26, 2015, and are interested in volunteering to work with children who have life-threatening illnesses are invited to learn more about Camp Sunshine of Sebago Lake, Maine, at a meeting Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Bromfield library. Students should attend the meeting with at least one parent. Leaders are Carol Lee Tonge, Mary Ann Morin, and Anne Marie Rowse. For more information, contact Carol Lee at 8whitelane@charter.net.
Van drivers wanted
The Council on Aging is seeking van drivers to provide van transportation for people 60 years or older and/or for those with disabilities. Drivers are trained through MART (Massachusetts Regional Transit Authority). Candidates must pass a CORI, receive ongoing training, and submit to random drug testing. CDL drivers are also wanted. For more information, call COA Director Debbie Thompson at 978-456-4120.
