Daily Five: Giving Tree, Major Donation and Christmas Luncheon

1. What's the Weather? Patchy fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Tonight:Showers likely, mainly after 3 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 46.

2. Durham's Giving Tree For many years, a Christmas "Giving Tree" has been part of the community in Durham. The Giving Tree is located on the first floor in Town Hall in the First Selectman's office. Our Second Grade Brownie Troops make ornaments to decorate our tree. On the tree, are tags that symbolize an item of need for a disadvantaged family. The tags contain information on each gift recipient, such as age and needs. Names are not listed or given to donors. Each family or individual is designated by number or letter. Recipients receive a donor gift from a wish list of items.
 
Residents, service organizations, and businesses that wish to donate a gift may come in and pick a tag of their choice from the Giving Tree. After purchasing a gift, the donor returns the purchased item to the GivingTree. Gifts are distributed to individuals and families. Monetary donations can be made payable to Durham Interchurch Assistance and be either mailed to Town Hall P.O. Box 428 , Durham, CT 06422 or dropped off at the Town Hall from 9-5 Monday through Friday.

This year volunteers will gather at the Durham Activity Center on December 19th to pack basket items. Distribution will be from the Durham Activity Center on Thursday, December 20th. Thank you for sharing the Christmas spirit. Any questions please call Amanda at 860-349-3153.

3. CFPA to Receive Donation from Stop & Shop The grocery chain recently announced that it will donate $25,000 to the Connecticut Forest and Park Association in Rockfall. 

The organization "protects over 100 forests, parks, walking trails and open spaces for future generations by connecting people to the land," a release says.

4. Christmas Luncheon The Middlefield Senior center will be hosting the Annual Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday December 19th at noon. Our menu this year is Chicken Cordon Bleu, mashed portatoes, beets, dinner roll and cheesecake and strawberries for dessert. Come early for the eggnog and cheese and crackers and fellowship with your friends and neighbors and toast the holiday together. The suggested donation is $2.00 and we ask that you kindly make your reservation by December 17th. Call Antoinette at 860-349-7121

5. It's Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot