Around Town: Help the animals

New Beginnings for Animals Merced, a nonprofit organization that facilitates the rescue of animals from the Merced County Animal Shelter, needs help this time of year to provide animals from Merced County with all that is good this holiday season.

Giving trees are in place at the Merced County Animal Shelter in Atwater, and Valley Animal Hospital in Merced.

Items needed are gas cards or Costco gift cards for fuel for transport efforts, crates, money to purchase crates and dog and cat toys.

Donations can also be made for a special need medical fund or to our spay/neuter fund. For information, call (209) 769-2122 or (209) 564-1668.

MERCED

Healthy House grants

Healthy House Coalition has received a training grant from the Merced County Department of Mental Health.

The grant is to provide mental health public awareness and education to area residents with a special focus on reaching Spanish, Hmong and Punjabi speaking residents. For information or training schedules, call (209) 724-0102.

ATWATER

Angel Food Program

The Angel Food Program is now available at the Atwater Gospel Defenders, 444 Broadway.

The Angel Food Program is available to everyone, no income requirements, and food stamps are accepted and can feed your family for $4.30 a day. Order online at angelfoodministries.com. There are many different packages to choose from. The next food distribution will be on Oct. 24 from 8 to 10 a.m.

MERCED

Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Library bookstore at the main branch offers used children's books for 25 cents each and everything from mysteries to classics.

Paperbacks and hardbacks range from 50 cents to $2 each. All profits go to the library for new purchases. FOL members enjoy buy one, get one free at all times.

MERCED

Volunteers Needed

Mercy Medical Center Merced, The Cancer Center, Community Campus and Mercy Outpatient Center, Dominican Campus are always looking for volunteers.

Three hours a week is all it takes for you to make new friends while helping your community. For information or an application, call (209) 385-7237 on inquire at either campus.

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.