Mitten drive at library
Harvard Girl Scout Troop 11645 is collecting mittens for those in need. Bring a pair of child- or adult-sized mittens to the children’s room at the library now through Dec. 6 to hang on the tree. In addition to mittens, the scouts will welcome donations of hats, gloves, and scarves. All donations will be brought to Loaves &Fishes on Dec. 7.
Town Hall offices closed
day after Thanksgiving
Town Hall will be closed on Friday, Nov. 25, as well as on Thankgiving Day, Nov. 24. Offices will reopen Monday, Nov. 28, at 8 a.m.
Gift donations and volunteers needed
at Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes will hold its annual “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. The event will be held Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Bob Eisengrein Community Center, 100 Sherman Avenue, Devens. Last year, 199 clients chose from a wide selection of new toys, books, jewelry, and gift cards, all donated by residents and businesses of nearby towns. Thanks to the efforts of more than 100 volunteers, more than 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 for children aged 18 and younger, or gift cards in denominations of $10, $15, or $25. Checks are also appreciated; write “SFYK” in the memo line and mail to Loaves & Fishes, P.O. Box 1, Ayer, MA 01432. For a list of the most needed items, visit loavesfishespantry.org.
Toys can be dropped off at the Harvard Post Office or police station or at Donelan’s supermarkets in Groton or Littleton. Gifts and donations may also be brought to Loaves & Fishes at 234 Barnum Road, Devens Wednesday and Friday mornings between Thanksgiving and Dec. 12, Saturday morning, Dec. 3, or Tuesday evening, Dec. 12.
Volunteers are needed to help set up on Saturday morning Dec. 10, and to work at the event on Thursday, Dec. 15 (morning or evening). Email Karen at LFShop4YourKids@gmail.com.
Holiday auction
to benefit NRWA
The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA), which protects water and land resources and provides environmental education programs, is holding its holiday online auction. Among the offerings are ski tickets from New England and Utah resorts, Boston Bruins tickets, ironstone jewelry, rock climbing, billiards, gift certificates for restaurants and shops, hotel stays, and tickets to local attractions. Bidding at www.BiddingforGood.com/NashuaRiverWatershed continues to Dec. 2.
VNA Care seeks hospice volunteers
VNA Care, a nonprofit organization serving patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families, seeks hospice volunteers to provide companionship to patients and respite time for family members. No previous experience is necessary; VNA Care provides training and ongoing support to all volunteers. Please call 781-569-2811 or visit www.vnacare.org.
MassDOT announces online travel planning tool
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) encourages travelers to utilize Ride Match, a web-based tool providing statewide information regarding travel options for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and anyone else traveling throughout the Commonwealth. Ride Match allows users to easily search travel options by inputting their start and end destinations, selecting travel dates and times, then choosing from options including busses, commuter rails, subways, trains, private medical transport, senior transportation services, taxis, and livery services.
Get ready for winter
The Harvard Police Department reminds residents to make sure their house numbers are clearly visible for emergency responders. Some homes have numbers on rocks that are on the ground, and when they’re covered with snow, the numbers can’t be seen.
