n Altamont: The Altamont Fire Company will hold a holiday meat raffle, with the drawing for 20 prizes to be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 7. Tickets are $2 each and three for $5. First prize will be $100 and a 20-pound meat bundle; second prize is $50 and a 20-pound meat bundle and third prize is $25 and a 20-pound meat bundle. Prize winners four through 10 will each get a 20-pound meat bundle including chicken, pork and beef and prize winners 11 through 20 will each receive a 12-pound turkey. For tickets or more information, call Jay at 570-527-3441.
n Mahanoy City: The Active Christian Teens In Our Neighborhood Youth Group is sponsoring a Toys 4 Tots and Birthright Drive set for Dec. 8 to help babies and children have a merry Christmas. People wishing to donate new baby items or toys are asked to turn on their porch lights at 6 p.m. and ACTION members will collect the items. Those who do not have porch lights are asked to call Debbie at 570-773-0813.
n Pottsville: American Hose Company No. 2 has extended its annual fund drive until Dec. 16. In a release, President John Lox said donations are used to "support and recognize our volunteers who make sacrifices for the safety and protection of our citizens." Residents' support are "critical" to ensure the company is able to continue its services and maintain its building and equipment. The company's volunteer firefighters regularly attend training classes and seminars to keep up with current standards. Donations can be sent or dropped off at the firehouse, 323 W. Norwegian St. He also said a special cash drawing will be held Dec. 16 and anyone who makes a donation will be eligible.
n Pottsville: The annual Schuylkill Women in Business Christmas luncheon will begin at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo St. Lunch will be served at noon. There will be a holiday gift exchange. Those planning to attend should bring a wrapped gift valued at $10 to $15. The reservation deadline is Monday. To register or for more information, call the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce at 570-622-1942 or, toll-free, at 800-755-1942.
n Saint Clair: St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church is taking orders for its advance-order-only holiday halupki sale. The deadline for orders is Dec. 8, with pick-up set for 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 in the church annex, North Morris Street. the cost is $9 per dozen and $5 for a half dozen. To order or for more information, call Judy at 570-628-2538, Janet at 570-622-4463 or the rectory at 570-462-0809.
n Schuylkill Haven: The Schuylkill Haven Senior Citizens group held its bi-monthly meeting Nov. 11 at the senior center, 340 Haven St., with 50 members on hand. Chaplain Jean Schneck opened with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Reports were accepted as presented. Adele Llewellyn, Cindy Schoener and Joan Nederoski won the goodie bags. Members also read poems honoring veterans for their service to the nation. The group enjoyed a video about a veteran Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and his dedication to his fellow comrades. Members recognized and thanked all veterans in attendance.
n Shenandoah: Plans are in place for the annual "Black Friday" events in the community, which will occur throughout the day and evening on Friday. The annual "Santa Drop," sponsored by Ateeco Inc., maker of Mrs. T's Pierogies, Shenandoah, will take place about noon at the Shenandoah Valley School District's Veterans Memorial Stadium, featuring the North Pole's jolly gent parachuting onto the field, weather permitting. The spectacle annually draws hundreds of people to the site. Santa will then travel through the community aboard a fire truck and then greet youngsters, traditionally at the Anthony P. Damato American Legion "Medal of Honor" Post 792, 116 N. Main St. The annual Dickens Christmas event, sponsored by the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., will begin at 5:30 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Garden adjacent to the Damato post. It will include the lighting of the Christmas tree in the garden, a performance of vignettes from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," horse-drawn trolley rides, music by the Shenandoah Valley Brass Band, hot chocolate and cookies. "It's our way of saying 'Thank you' to the community for their support," Mary Luscavage DSI's Main Street Program manager, said in a report to the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce.