Around Town: Toy drive and parade

ATWATER -- The 11th annual Atwater Kops and Firefighters for Kids Toy Drive and Parade will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 at the corner of Winton Way and Bellevue Road. Please bring unwrapped gifts and get a free picture with Santa.

Sons of the San Joaquin concert

The Art Kamangar Center at the Merced Theatre will host the Sons of the San Joaquin in a concert at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, 307 W. Main St. Tickets are $24 and $29. Call (209) 381-0500 or go to www.mercedtheatre.org.

NAUS meeting

The National Association for Uniformed Services, H. Wayne Hein Chapter 189, will host its annual Christmas Dinner at 6 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the Atwater Memorial Building. Reservations must be made by Dec. 4 and tickets are $18 per person or two for $34. The speaker will be Jim Greer. Call (209) 358-4834.

'Power of the Spirit'

A presentation of the book entitled "Power of the Spirit" a journey of building faith and churches will be held following Mass at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 8. For more information and location, call (209) 358-6175.

Atwater Ladies Auxiliary picture day with Santa

ATWATER -- The Atwater Ladies Auxiliary Post 9946 will host their picture day from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 9 at 1390 Broadway. This is a free event. Call (209) 358-7224.

Merced SPCA Christmas Home Tour

The Merced SPCA will host their annual Christmas Home Tour from 12 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 9. Tickets are $15 each and there will be singing, a raffle, gift baskets and baked goods for sale. Call (209) 384-7722 or (209) 723-8953.

Singers needed

The Allan Holiday Mallet Choir is seeking volunteer singers to perform "O Com, O Com Emmanuel" in the grand finale on Dec. 15. If interested, please call (209) 233-9805 or go to tenawilliams@yahoo.com.

United Way of Merced County collection

The United Way of Merced County will be collecting turkeys, hams and canned foods from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday from now through Dec. 21 at 658 W.Main St. Call (209) 383-4242.

Club Mercedes menudo

Club Mercedes will serve menudo every Sunday starting at 8 a.m. until noon or when the menudo runs out. Cost is $8 for a large bowl and includes tortillas, coffee and Mexican pastry. Queadias and many other beverages are also available for an extra cost. Dine in or take out. Call (209) 383-9906.