Donate Please
Enable seeks community members to purchase gifts and food for more than 200 people with disabilities and their families who need help this holiday season. Items high on the list include non-perishable food, toiletries, and gift cards to local grocery stores. Contact Kirsten Yard at events@enablenj.org, call 609-987-5003, or visit www.enablenj.org for more information.
Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club offers two free tickets to any 2011 show in exchange for a donation to the Toys for Tots program. Bring to the box office in the Hyatt, Carnegie Center, West Windsor on Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m., or Saturdays, from 3 to 10 p.m. Deadline is Saturday, December 11. Call 609-987-8018 for information.
Sun National Bank Center and Catholic Charities are collecting new, unwrapped toys for area families experiencing severe hardships this holiday season. Donate a toy and receive a $5 discount to Monster Jam or Disney on Ice. Bring to 81 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Suggestions of items include soft blocks, crib toys, dolls, trucks, cars, action figures, soft books, games, building blocks, and sports equipment. Call 609-656-3200 or visit www.catholicharitiestrenton.org.
Volunteers Needed
Salvation Army seeks volunteer bell ringers at one of 21 locations in Mercer County through Saturday, December 25. Call 609-599-9373 for information.
Audition
Raritan College invites the community to audition for the rock musical “Rent” on Sunday and Monday, December 12 and 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Welpe Theater, Branchburg campus. Prepare 16 to 32 bars of an up tempo song. An accompanist will be provided. Be prepared to move around at audition. Visit www.raritanval.edu for information.
For Singles
Princeton Elite Club plans an event focusing on a Rangers vs. Devils game on Wednesday, December 29. $149 includes a night at the Woodbridge Hilton, lunch, happy hour, the game, and an after party. Call 732-233-6031 for information.
Grants Available
New Jersey State Council on the Arts offers grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations focusing on the arts. A workshop will be held on Thursday, December 9, in Trenton, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 609-292-6130 or E-mail dinorah@arts.sos.state.nju.us to register. Deadline for a notice of intent to apply for a grant is Friday, December 17 with applications due by February 23. Visit www.arts.sos.state.nj.us to download the guidelines and application.
For Artists
West Windsor Arts Council seeks proposals for a set of four chandeliers to be hung from the ceiling of the main entry and lobby area. Artists should E-mail info@westwindsorarts.org for a copy of the application and submission guidelines. Only electronic submissions will be accepted for jury review and selection. All work will have two opportunities to be sold. Completed proposals must be received by Monday, December 20. Each selected series will be on view to the public for close to two months.
Health
Natural Alternatives offers classes in children’s wushu-kung fu, adult martial arts, tai chi chuan, and qigong for seniors. 1272 Yardville Allentown Road, Yardville. E-mail deejin25@yahoo.com for information.
Nominate
Better Beginnings Child Development Center is accepting nominations for its annual fundraiser, the Shining Star Gala honoring area businesses, organizations, and individuals that have impacted the lives of others through their generosity, volunteerism, and acts of kindness. The gala will be held on Saturday, April 30, at the Crowne Plaza in Monroe. E-mail nominations to bbluzz@hotmail.com or call 609-448-6226. Deadline is Wednesday, December 8.
Computer Classes
New Brunswick Library offers one-on-one computer skill tutoring to those who need to learn the basics of using a computer. Realizing the differences of each individuals’ learning pace, the format was changed from a class to one-on-one tutoring with volunteers from Rutgers Student Volunteer Council. Sessions include mouse and keyboard tutorials, basic word processing, the Internet, and E-mail. Free. Call 732-745-5108, ext. 20 to register.
For Soldiers
The State Fireman’s Mutual Benevolent Association is partnering with Senator-elect Linda Greenstein and Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo to raise funds to pay for telephone calling cards for the troops to call home. Drop off a monetary donation or a pre-purchased 15-minute international calling card at either of the Greenstein-DeAngelo district offices: 7 Centre Drive, Suite 2, in Monroe Township, or 22239 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Suite E, in Hamilton Township, on or before December 10. 609-631-7501.
