Local Digest

By Staff
Harley Owners Group sponsoring a Toy Run'
The Twin States Chapter of Harley Owners Group is sponsoring a "Toy Run" today.
All participants should meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Harley Davidson dealership, 410 B St. in Meridian. The ride will leave at 1 p.m. Every rider is asked to bring a new toy, for either a boy or girl, which will be donated to needy children in the Meridian area.
All motorcycles are invited, from cruisers to dirt bikes. The only requirement is that the bikes be street legal. For information call, J.B. Griffith at (601) 681-6171.
Hickory hosts Christmas parade
Hickory Christmas Parade 2001, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, will be at 3 p.m. today. "An American Christmas" is this year's theme. Hickory native James Mitchell will be the parade's grand marshal.
Care Lodge seeks holiday help
With the holiday season approaching, the Care Lodge is asking for donations for the holidays for individuals who may not be home for the holidays.
Anyone who would like to make a donation may call or visit the administrative office of the Care Lodge at 1207 19th Ave. If possible all unwrapped Christmas items should be delivered by Dec. 17. For information, call 482-8719.
Benefit planned for Jim Henson
The Crystal River Quartet will present a Southern gospel concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Lynville United Methodist church in Kemper County. The concert will benefit Jim Henson, 38, who was diagnosed with cancer four months ago.
Funds raised will assist his wife and two daughters with medical expenses. A fund has also been established in his home at Commercial Bank.
Beauty pageant benefits Toys for Tots
A beauty pageant benefiting Toys for Tots will be Sunday at Holiday Inn in Meridian. Children up to 18 can participate. There is a $10 entry fee and each participant must bring a new toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. Sunday dresses only, no formal attire. For information, call (601) 932-0574.
Silverleaf Manor hosts open house
Silverleaf Manor will host a "Holiday Hospitality Open House" from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday. Refreshments will be served. For information, call Elizabeth Bridwell at 483-4566.
Southeast Band to present concert
The Southeast Lauderdale High School Band will present its annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Southeast Middle School Auditorium. Although the concert is free to the public, the band would like to request a donation of canned goods to be to LOVE's Kitchen.
Patriotic Christmas festival set for downtown
A downtown patriotic Christmas festival is set for 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday at Dumont Plaza in downtown Meridian. Patriotic and Christmas music will be presented. Crafts and gifts for the holidays will be on sale. Food and beverages will be served. The event is free and open to the public.
Make-A-Wish to meet in Meridian
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi will hold its monthly Meridian Volunteer Luncheon from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at Rush Medical Group, 6th floor board room.
Reservations must be made by Wednesday; call Lynn Conerly at 800-819-4072.
An orientation session will take place from 11:30-11:45 a.m. for new volunteers.
4th Annual Christmas luminaries set
The 4th Annual Christmas luminaries at Lake Ross Collins in Collinsville is set for Dec. 15. The lighting spectacular will begin at 6 p.m. In case of rain the event will take place the next night.
Charity bridge game set for Dec. 15
The Red, White and Blue Bridge Bash charity bridge game will be at 1 p.m. Dec. 15 at Meridian Duplicate Bridge Club.
Proceeds will benefit the Sept. 11 Disaster Relief Funds. The club is at 2316 14th St. in Meridian. For information, call 679-8466.
The game is sponsored by the American Contract Bridge League and the ACBL Charity Foundation.
Elks to hold holiday celebration
The brothers and daughters of Metropolitan Lodge 551 and R.B. Matthews Temple 739 invite the public to join them for their semi-formal Winter Wonderland holiday celebration beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 22.
For tickets and information, contact any member of the Elks at 485-9353. The lodge is at 1423 34th Ave.
Telephone Pioneers cookbooks on sale
Kitchen knives and Bell's Best Cookbooks from the Telephone Pioneers, Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in addition to the newly arrived No. 4 cookbook will be on sale until Dec. 15. Cookbooks can be purchased from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lauderdale Habitat for Humanity office, 1001 29th Ave. All funds benefit local charities and schools. For information, call 485-2995.
NAMI to conduct family education classes
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) of Mississippi will offer free education classes beginning in January for family members of people with schizophrenia, manic depression, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorder.
The 12-class course offers illness information, medication review, communication/coping skills, self-care/support and services. For details or to register, call 800-357-0388.