TURNER – Leavitt Area High School and the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the high school auxiliary gym, Lower Street. Call the American Red Cross at 1-800-482-0743 to make an appointment or for more information.

VFW party

JAY – The annual Christmas party for VFW Post 3335 and Auxiliary will take place at the post on Saturday, Dec. 13. The festivities will begin with a potluck supper at 6 p.m. followed by dancing from 8 to midnight with The Legends. The party is open to members and guests. For more information, call Paulette Newcomb at 897-3692.

Community tree

NEW VINEYARD – A New Vineyard community Christmas tree appeared Decl. 1 on the lawn by Smith Memorial Building, in front of the Honor Roll, which was trimmed with a large red bow. Some residents strung lights and trimmed the tree with ornaments. Anyone who wants to add an ornament is invited to do so. Sandy Bestwick led the singing of Christmas carols during the decorating.

Helping AWAP

PHILLIPS – The Phillips Shared Ministry celebrated the first Sunday in Advent with a lighting of the first Advent candle and trimming the Christmas tree. Candy canes were attached to the tree marked with gifts needed by the Abused Women’s Advocacy Project. Anyone interested in helping the project can take a cane, purchase the gift, wrap it and return it to the church by Dec. 16. AWAP will distribute the gifts to mothers and children in need of care and comfort. For more information on this outreach, call Pat Matulaitis at 639-3786.

Donations to the Phillips Food Pantry, in the basement of the Methodist Church, are being collected for Christmas food baskets. There will be a Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at the Methodist Church.