Catholic Federation to hold biscotti sale

The Italian Catholic Federation is sponsoring a holiday biscotti sale on Dec. 8 and 9, at St. Patrick's Church after all Masses. They can be preordered and picked up between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. To place an order or get more information, call (209) 383-4819 or (209) 723-6400.

Stitches from Heart needs volunteers, yarn

Stitches from the Heart is a nationwide group of senior volunteers who knit, crochet and quilt sweaters and hats for prematurely born babies. The items are donated to hospitals. The group is in need of volunteers to knit, crochet and quilt, and accepts donations of yarn. For more information, call (877) 985-9212, e-mail stitchfromheart@aol.com, visit www.stitchesfromtheheart.org, or write to them at 4572 Telephone Road, #909, Ventura 93003.

SCORE offers business counseling services

SCORE is the acronym for the Service Corps of Retired Executives, who serve as counselors to U.S. small businesses. The service is free and provides useful resources for new or seasoned businesses on how to achieve a more successful operation. Counseling is offered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Workshops are available. For more, call (209) 724-2033.

New Beginnings seeks help with animal care

New Beginnings Merced, a local nonprofit group dedicated to saving shelter animals and finding new homes for them, is in need of volunteers, especially those who can foster kittens for a few days, or take dogs and their new puppies for a short time. Also needed are people to take photos of shelter animals or transport animals to rescue organizations. No personal vehicles will be needed for transportation. Call (209) 769-2122.

Lions taking orders for poinsettia sale

ATWATER -- The Atwater-Winton Lions Club will hold its seventh annual poinsettia sale. Orders will be taken through Nov. 30, with delivery at your door Dec. 3 or 4. Call (209) 358-0044 or (209) 358-1668.

If you would like to have your event announced in the Around Town column, send your information to Connie Hodges at least 10 days prior to the event, at chodges@mercedsunstar.com. Items run according to space available.