Donations still needed for ‘Shop for Your Kids Day’
Loaves & Fishes will hold its annual “Shop for Your Kids Day” so that clients can celebrate the holidays with gifts and toys for their children. The event will be held Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Bob Eisengrein Community Center, 100 Sherman Avenue, Devens. Last year, thanks to donations from residents and businesses of nearby towns and the efforts of more than 100 volunteers, more than 500 children received gifts from their parents or guardians; many would not have received anything without this program.
Needed are unwrapped new toys, games, puzzles, books, and jewelry valued at up to $25 for children aged 18 and younger, or gift cards in denominations of $10, $15, or $25. For a list of the most needed items, visit loavesfishespantry.org. Toys can be dropped off at local post offices or police stations or at Donelan’s supermarkets in Groton or Littleton.
Blood donation in nearby towns
The American Red Cross reminds residents that the need for blood is high during the holiday season; all blood types are needed. Make an appointment by downloading the free app at redcross.blood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767. Nearby blood donation locations:
- Berlin – Dec. 16: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial School, 34 South Street.
- Clinton – Dec. 15, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Clinton High School, 200 West Boylston Street.
- Fitchburg – Dec. 12, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Saint Bernard’s Activity Center, 260 Summer Street.
Dec. 21, 1 to 6 p.m., at The Highlands, 335 Nichols Road. - Leominster – Dec. 12, 19, and 26; 1 to 6 p.m. at Leominster Elks Lodge, 134 North Main Street.
Letters to Santa
The Harvard Post Office has announced that there is a special mailbox for letters to Santa Claus. Letters brought to the post office on Ayer Road and dropped in the special mailbox will be sent straight to Santa at the North Pole in time for his elves to work their magic.
Mitten drive at library
Girl Scout Troop 40165 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. 11 to hang on the mitten tree. In addition to mittens, the Scouts will welcome donations of hats, gloves, and scarves. All donations will be brought to Loaves&Fishes for “Shop for Your Kids Day.”
American Heart Assoc. course offered
Always On Call Health Services® Inc. will offer the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support/CPR for the Health Care Provider course Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 285 Central Street in Leominster. This course is geared for people who work within the health care field, day care providers, and nursing school students. Registration is required in advance at 978-537-9900 ext. 114.
Registration available now for dog licenses
Registration for 2018 dog licenses is available at the Town Clerk’s office now through March 31, 2018. While out doing holiday errands, stop by Town Hall and pick up Rover’s new tag! More information at www.harvard.ma.us/home/news/dog-licenses.
