Around Town: Help out cats

Love cats, but unable to adopt? Last Hope Cat Kingdom has the solution for you. Become a sponsor for a cat or kitten.

You can make a difference with a one-time donation or a monthly donation to help care for adoptable cats and kittens. Businesses are also welcome to sponsor.

For more information, call (209) 723-4905.

MERCED

'Tis season to give

Celebrate the season of giving with Bloodsource Centers in Merced until Dec. 24 by giving the gift of life.

Blood drive participants will receive a Season of Giving T-shirt and a coupon for a pint of Baskin-Robbins ice cream along with the good feeling of helping others.

For more information, call (866) 822-5663.

LIVINGSTON

Parade time

Livingston will host its eighth annual Lighted Christmas Parade and Gift Fair starting at 5 p.m. Friday on Main Street.

Vendor space is available for $15 per booth and parade entry forms are being accepted.

For more information, call (209) 394-8830 or go to livingstoncity.com.

MERCED

Ready for camp

Jack L. Boyd Outdoor School at Camp Green Meadows will host its fifth annual fundraiser breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Friday at the Merced County Office of Education, 632 W. 13th St.

Tickets are $10 each and include eggs, pancakes, ham, fruit and coffee for dine-in or take-out. Raffle tickets are $5 each.

For more information, call (209) 381-6607.

MERCED

About mental health

The Merced County Mental Health Board will meet at 3:30 p.m. today at 3090 M St.

HILMAR

Living nativity

Witness the events of Christ's birth firsthand in "A Living Nativity" on Saturday at the Hilmar Covenant Church, as the story unfolds through music, drama, narration, live animals, a host of angels, the Star of Bethlehem and Christmas carols.

The 30-minute production will be presented three times: 6:30, 7:15 and 8 p.m. at the Hilmar Covenant Family Center, 20056 American Ave. Admission is free.

For more information call (209) 668-0400.

MERCED

It's parade time

Merced will host its annual Christmas downtown parade on Saturday down Main Street, from G to N streets.

There will also be a dedication of the fountain at Bob Hart Square in honor of Susie Rossi from 1 to 3 p.m. and many more activities

Applications are available for the parade which will start at 3 p.m. Food and vendor applications are also available.

For more information, call (209) 385-6827, (209) 724-8104 or go to 690 W. 16th St.

TURLOCK

Toy train show

The Toy Train Show will be at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

There will be toy trains, model trains, train-related merchandise, raffles, door prizes and much more. Admission is $5 for adults or $8 for the whole family.

For more information, call (209) 883-1663 or go to sjvd-ttos.org.

MERCED

Meaning of Christmas

Christian Life Center will present "The Rented Christmas" each night from Saturday to Dec. 9 at 650 E. Olive Ave.

Live animals, majestic pageantry and a cast of characters will be on tap. Come and see what Christmas is truly about.

For more information, call (209) 383-2273.

If you would like to have your event announced in the Around Town column, e-mail your information to Connie Hodges at least one week prior to the event, at chodges@mercedsunstar.com. Items run according to space available.