Local Digest
By Staff
UBS begins Holiday Heroes' program
United Blood Services officials say businesses and non-profits can make a difference this Christmas by taking part in the "Holiday Heroes" program. The program allows organizations to sign up for a standing blood donation appointment at Meridian's UBS center.
The program will help maintain the blood supply during the Christmas and New Year's holidays when blood donations historically decrease. It takes 35-40 minutes to donate blood, and each participant will receive a holiday T-shirt.
The UBS office in Meridian is at 1115 25th Ave. For more information, call 482-2482.
Care Lodge seeks holiday donations
With the holiday season approaching, the Care Lodge is asking for donations to provide Christmas gifts for families who are staying in Lodge's shelter. Anyone who would like to make a donation can call or visit the administrative office 1207 19th Ave. If possible, unwrapped Christmas items should be delivered by Monday.
For information, call 482-8719.
Benefit planned for Jim Henson
The Crystal River Quartet will present a Southern gospel concert today, at 7 p.m., 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 help his wife and two daughters pay medical expenses. A fund has also been established at Commercial Bank.
Bridge players come together for charity
The "Red, White and Blue Bridge Bash" charity bridge game will be held today, at 1 p.m., at the Meridian Duplicate Bridge Club. The game is sponsored by the American Contract Bridge League and the ACBL Charity Foundation. Proceeds will benefit the Sept. 11 Disaster Relief Fund.
The club is at 2316 14th St. in Meridian. For information, call 679-8466.
Main Street Meridian hosts street festival
Join in a celebration of the spirit of the holiday season through Christmas and patriotic music Tuesday as Main Street Meridian hosts "An American Family Christmas Festival." The gathering is scheduled for 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at Dumont Plaza, and will feature music celebrating patriotism and the holiday season. Food and beverages will be served. The event is free.
Elks hold holiday celebration
The brothers and daughters of Metropolitan Lodge 551 and R.B. Matthews Temple 739 invite the public to join them for a semi-formal Winter Wonderland holiday celebration Dec. 22, beginning at 8:30 p.m.
The lodge is at 1423 34th Ave. For tickets and information, contact any Elks member or call 485-9353.
NAMI to conduct education classes
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill 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 and coping skills, self-care/support and services.
For details, or to register, call (800) 357-0388.
