Holiday calendar: Church fairs, kettle ringers and toy drives

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November 6, 2009

SATURDAY, Nov. 14

Holiday fair: St. James Episcopal Church in Groveland will hold a holiday fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 119 Washington St. Event includes photos with Santa for $5 each or three for $10, gift baskets, baked goods, raffles, silent auctions, crafts, children's shopping, food and more. Information, call 978-373-1270.

MONDAY, Nov. 16

Toy drive: North Shore Women Lawyers' Association will host their third annual toy drive to benefit the kids at The Inn-Between of Peabody on Monday, Nov. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bertucci's Restaurant, Route 1, Peabody. Event will feature hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. Admission is $10 with a toy, $20 members without a toy, $25 general admission without a toy. Please RSVP no later than Nov. 9. Information, contact Colleen Carafotes at 781-620-1751 or carafotes@comcast.net.

SATURDAY, Nov. 21

Olde Tyme Country Fair: First Congregational Church of Rowley, 175 Main St., hosts its largest fundraiser of the year from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission and on-site parking are free. Lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This old-fashioned church fair is sure to put visitors into the holiday spirit. Christmas crafts, handcrafts, plants, evergreen kissing balls and wreaths, baked goods, books and attic treasures will be offered by vendors. Santa will visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A raffle table, silent auction, cookie decorating and For Kids Only shopping room are also planned. A spaghetti supper will be offered from 5 to 7 p.m. by the church youth group.

SATURDAY, Dec. 19

Polar Express: St. Michael School in Andover sponsors this annual tradition. Train departs from the Newburyport MBTA Station. Ride times are 11:35 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence. Donations of new hats, mittens, scarves and sweaters for all ages will be accepted at the train station and distributed by Cor Unum and the Department of Children and Families to those in need. For more information, call Michelle Caso Simpson at 978-618-5423 or MaryEllen McDermott at 978-273-2631 or visit www.saintmichael.com.

HOLIDAY HELPERS

Bell ringers needed: The Salvation Army in Haverhill is looking for conscientious people to ring bells for this holiday season. Bell ringers are paid $8 per hour. If you are interested in working as a bell ringer, stop by the Salvation Army, 395 Main St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call 978-374-7571.

Annual food drive: The Greater Haverhill Hunger Roundtable will conduct the annual Betsy Conte Food Drive during the VFW Santa Parade on Sunday, Nov. 22, in Haverhill. The drive celebrates the memory of Betsy Conte, former Haverhill City Councilor and community activist. Food drive volunteers donate all items collected during the parade to six food pantries that serve needy residents in Haverhill. Spectators are encouraged to bring nonperishable food item to the parade, which begins at 1 p.m. Paper and hygiene products are also needed. For more information, call Bill LaPierre at 978-373-1281 or Elaine Miller at 978-373-1971.

Toys needed: The Salvation Army is accepting donations of new unwrapped toys for its annual Christmas Castle. Donations can be brought to the Salvation Army, 395 Main St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 1 Financial donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, contact Lt. Jeff or Mari Hardy at 978-374-4658.

Assistance available: The Salvation Army in Haverhill is accepting applications for Christmas assistance Nov. 2 through Nov. 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Applicants need to bring IDs for all adults, proof of residency, 30 days of income verification, and Mass. health or birth certificates for any children living in the house. For more information, call 978-374-7571.