Toys for Tots at General Store
The Toys for Tots program is collecting toys for children aged toddler to 15. Last week, the big blue collection box near the stairs at the back of the General Store contained one stuffed animal, who has reported feeling lonely. Drop your unwrapped toy in the box to keep him company and to make a child happy at holiday time.
Mitten drive at library
The Harvard Girl Scouts and Brownies are collecting mittens for those in need. Bring a pair of mittens for a child or adult to the Harvard Public Library Children’s Room now through Dec. 13. The mittens are distributed through the Loaves & Fishes “Shop for Your Kids Day,” which is held on Dec. 18. This is a wonderful tradition for many families in Harvard, so consider making it yours by visiting the Children’s Room and helping your child place a pair of mittens on the tree for a child in need. For more information, contact Janice Kennedy at kennedyshome@charter.net.
Lions collecting coats
The Ayer-Shirley Lions Club is collecting winter coats for children and adults now through Jan. 10. They are accepting warm, gently used coats in good condition. All sizes are needed, especially XL and pre-kindergarten sizes. Coats with rips, tears, or broken zippers cannot be accepted; nor can sweatshirts, vests, or spring coats. Bring coats to any North Middlesex Savings Bank branch or to the Hanscom Federal Credit Union at 24 Andrews Parkway, Devens.
Giving tree at Bromfield
The “Bromfield Cares” group is working with several charitable social service organizations to make children’s wishes come true. They are giving more than 500 wishes and have about 200 left to fulfill. If you would like to help, visit the main office at the Bromfield School during school hours and pick out a gift tag. All wrapped gifts with the tags attached are due back at the main office by Monday, Dec.15. Monetary donations are also welcome. For more information, contact Bromfield teacher Patricia Nilan at pnilan@psharvard.
Give the gift of soup
The Harvard Farmers’ Market is offering a way to help neighbors during the cold winter months, and to give a gift at the same time. The Soup for Seniors program delivers Chef Paul’s delicious soup to seniors and others in need in our community every other week. Instead of giving a bottle of wine or a fruitcake, you can make a donation to the program in another’s name. For gift donations of $20 or more, gift recipients will be thanked with a card from the Harvard Farmers’ Market. Donations received by Dec. 18 will be acknowledged before Dec. 25; those received after Dec. 18 will be acknowledged early in the new year.
Checks should be made out to the HFM and sent directly to program manager Kim Manning, 38 Park Lane, Harvard, MA. 01451. Be sure to enclose the recipient’s full name and mailing address, too. For more information, contact themanningclan@me.com.
HES Winter weather reminder
Hildreth Elementary School Principal Sue Frederick is reminding parents that the school will still have outdoor recess this winter, so hats, mittens, and jackets are recommended. Snow pants and boots are also strongly recommended, because children are allowed to play in the snow if they have these items. The school monitors the weather and works with the school nurse to determine when it is not feasible to go outside.
School closings
In the event of a school closing or delay because of bad weather, School Superintendent Linda Dwight will make a Connect-ED call announcing the closing or delay. Dr. Dwight conducted a test of this robo-call system several weeks ago. If you did not receive the test message and would like to receive Connect-ED calls, send a note in with your child or email the school office so that you can be added to the database.
