Volunteers are busy matching sponsors with children for the 2016 Operation Santa Claus holiday program. Santa asks that you open your heart and sponsor one or more children. You will receive a form with the child’s history, first name, gender, age, sizes and items the child needs and wants for Christmas. Santa asks that you spend a minimum of $70 per child – if that amount is beyond your budget, consider co-sponsoring a child with your family, friends or co-workers. For an application form, call 271-3411, ext. 105. Email your completed form to seaosc@seiu1984.org or fax it to 271-6525. The program benefits over 3,000 children each year and delivery would not be possible without the generous participation of the New Hampshire National Guard.
New Hampshire Children’s Trust has honored outstanding parents for the past eight years who incorporate the five Protective Factors into their daily lives to be stronger parents, caregivers and friends. If you know people who have taken that extra step to improve the life of their own family or the lives of those around them nominate them for an Unsung Hero award. Nominations are due Jan. 6. For information, visit nhchildrenstrust.org.
The ASSE International Student Exchange Program is seeking representatives to work with volunteer host families. You will recruit and screen host families, supervise the exchange students and support American students in their journeys abroad. For information, visit asse.com, call 800-677-2773 or email asseusaeast@asse.com.
The annual Rev. Ray Wixson Memorial Gilford Senior Citizen Dinner and holiday celebration will take place Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Gilford Community Church. This event is put on by the members of the Gilford Rotary Club to thank the seniors of Gilford for their contributions to Gilford over the years. Entertainment by local students will start at 5:30 p.m. followed by a traditional turkey dinner at 6 p.m. If you are a resident and are 62 or older, leave a message with your name and phone number for Sandy McGonagle at 524-3134 to make your reservation. Include the names of all the people in your group and a telephone number. Transportation is available if needed.
Programs of the Parks and Recreation Department include preschool open gym for ages 18 months to three years, holiday gift workshop for ages 8 to 13, basketball for ages 4 to grade 6, basketball for grades 7 to 12, and squash for ages 7 to 10. For more information on Concord Recreation programs, visit concordparksandrec.com or call 225-8690.
Beyond your Best is offering post-election stress reduction programs for group, school, club, individual or company use. The program includes reinforcing recording materials for take-home and comes in three- or four-session day or evening formats. For information, call 493-1450 or visit beyondyourbestnh.com.