Donate to the Girl Scout mitten tree
Girl Scout Troop 30892 is collecting mittens for children in need. Bring a pair of child-sized mittens to the children’s room at the library to hang on the mitten tree. In addition to mittens, the Scouts will welcome hats, gloves, and scarves. This year, the donations will go to “Cradles to Crayons,” an organization that provides children through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with essential items they need to thrive. More than 140,000 children across Massachusetts are served by this organization.
The Scouts will deliver the donations Dec. 12 and participate in the “Giving Factory” to prepare packages for delivery to children in need. Please help! Stop by now through Dec. 11. For any questions, please email Janice Kennedy at kennedyshome@charter.net.
Red Cross needs blood and platelet donations
The American Red Cross urgently needs blood and platelet donations to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.
During September and October, the Red Cross collected 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Fewer blood drives during those months coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, contributed to the shortage.
Donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.
Donations/volunteers needed for ‘Shop for Your Kids Day’
Loaves & Fishes will hold its annual “Shop for Your Kids Day” so that the children of clients from Ayer, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, Shirley, and Devens can celebrate the holidays with gifts. The event will be held Monday, Dec. 10, at the Bob Eisengrein Community Center, 100 Sherman Avenue in Devens. Needed are unwrapped new toys, games, puzzles, books, and jewelry for children aged 12 and younger or gift cards.
Donations can be dropped off at the Bob Eisengrein Community Center at these times:
- Thursday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Volunteers (at least 16 years old) are needed to help move, set up, and clean up Monday, Dec. 26; Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 6-8; and Tuesday, Dec. 11. Helpers are also needed to work at the event on Monday, Dec. 10, morning or evening. Call 978-772-4627 x317 or email volunteer@loavesfishespantry.org by Dec. 3 to volunteer.
Parker is accepting applications for next year’s enrollment
The Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School in Devens is accepting applications for enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year. All applications must be received by Feb. 1, 2019. For more information about the Parker Charter School and the enrollment process, visit theparkerschool.org.
Support programs at the Healing Garden
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center, 145 Bolton Road, announces winter cancer support programs for individuals, their families, and caregivers. A range of services is available, including movement and strengthening classes, estate planning workshops, mindfulness training, and cancer support groups. Expressive arts workshops aimed at helping patients process and release emotions are also available, including mind-body sound therapy, writing for wellness, and sand painting. Winter programs run from Dec. 3, 2018, to Feb. 28, 2019.
Recycle unused crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs
In attics, garages, and basements across the region sit unused crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs that once provided mobility and comfort but are no longer needed. These mobility aids can have a second life helping a person with disabilities.
Rotary’s Crutches Recycling Project will collect unneeded crutches, folding walkers, and canes and donate them for distribution by Rotary Clubs in developing nations to individuals with physical disabilities. Items in good condition can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, at 38 Littleton Road, Ayer (location of the former Mango Grill).
