Volunteers are needed to receive, unpack and sort clothing and other donated items from various parishes for Christmas gifts. Volunteers are needed for three-hour shifts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19 and 20, in the basement at Ste. Anne Church, 290 Jefferson Ave., Salem. Volunteers should wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Easy parking is available in the parking lot and on the street. For more information or to volunteer, contact Paul Woods at Catholic Charities, 781-593-2312, ext. 237, or paul_woods@ccab.org with choice of day(s) and shift(s).
“Moving on After Moving In,” a small group study for women, is based on the book “After the Boxes are Unpacked: Moving on After Moving In” by Susan Miller. The Bible-based discussion group will address emotional struggles and opportunities for spiritual growth as participants start fresh in their new communities. Eight sessions will meet on Sunday evenings, beginning Jan. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, second floor CLC building, 179 County Road, Ipswich. To sign up or for more information, contact the church office at fpcnsoffice@gmail.com or call 978-356-7690.
On Tuesday, Dec. 25, Temple Beth Shalom will participate in the annual volunteer program called “Project Ezra.” Participants can fulfill a mitzvah by giving a few hours of their time and energy to help those in need. One of the volunteer opportunities is a meal delivery from 10 a.m. to noon; meals will be delivered to Peabody and Salem senior residents. Meal pickup will be at the Peabody Council on Aging, 79 Central St. Another volunteer opportunity is driving seniors to and from Christmas dinner from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Danvers. Volunteers are welcome to stay for dinner. Volunteers are especially needed for afternoon assistance. For more information or to volunteer, contact Roza Budilovsky at rbudilo@hotmail.com or 978-887-1106.
The Christian Women’s Connection December Brunch is set for Monday, Dec. 10, from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. in the Lighthouse Point Room at the Danversport Yacht Club, 161 Elliott St., Danvers. Speaker Mim McCarthy will share a dramatic presentation of how she “had it all” but found it wasn’t enough, lost it all and gained peace. Brunch is $13 inclusive. All women are welcome to attend, and free child care is available for children up to age 5. Reservations are required today. For more information, to make a reservation, for child care or for a cancellation, call Jan at 978-532-1379 or 978-303-7873 or Laura at 978-532-2157.
Torah Hub, a North Shore Adult Jewish Education Collaborative, is a free program that explores Judaism and Social Justice. The Monday night portion of the series, led by Temple Sinai’s Rabbi Fine, will be held at Aviv Center in Peabody on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. The topic focuses on “Jewish Food Ethics for the 21st Century.” The final session, featuring a symposium led by local rabbis, is set for Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the NSJCC in Marblehead. All sessions are free. Registration is required and can be done at www.jfns.org/torahhub.aspx, or contact Alanna Cooper at acooper@jfns.org or 978-224-4096.
Chabad North Shore’s annual Run-A-Latke, a family 5K run and Hanukkah party, will be held Sunday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. at Chabad Community Shul, 44 Burrill St., Swampscott. Hanukkah programming will be available for kids while adults run. Attendees can race, eat latkes and doughnuts, and help build a huge Lego menorah. Register at the door or online at www.nsjewish.com or raceit.com.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lynn is accepting registrations for Sunday faith development classes for children and youths ages 2 to 18. Participants spend 15 minutes in worship with their parents, starting at 10 a.m., and after a “Time for All Ages,” they will leave for their classrooms. Children, youths and adults spend time together for fellowship after the service and classes. For more information, contact Karen Brown, director of faith development, at 781-589-8836, ext. 12, or kbrown@uucgl.org. The church is at 101 Forest Ave., Swampscott.
Throughout December, St. Adelaide Church, 708 Lowell St., Peabody, will collect unwanted books in support of the North Shore Moving Market. Proceeds from the sale of donated books help provide free monthly grocery deliveries to the North Shore’s housebound elderly and handicapped residents. Books should be in new or good readable condition; no children’s books will be accepted. Books may be dropped off before Masses or in the church hall on Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon or Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m., through the end of December. For more information, call North Shore Moving Market at 978-744-2532.
Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, 16 Sylvan St., Danvers, will offer an alternative for Christmas giving. In an attempt to benefit international artisans and communities in need, there will be selections available for purchase from Equal Exchange, A Greater Gift and A Bead for Life. Catalogs from Heifer International will also be available. The Alternative Christmas Market will be open after church on Sundays through Dec. 23. For more information, contact the church office at 978-777-7408.
