Around Town (12/11/14)

SPCA Christmas Home Tour

The Merced Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ 22nd annual Christmas Home Tour will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 each. Proceeds benefit the SPCA Adoption Center. Tickets are available at Maciel and Co., A Blooming Affair, Wash and Wag, Christina’s Fine Clothing and Expressions of Love Floral. For more information, call (209) 384-7722.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Merced County’s branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness holds biweekly support groups for families affected by serious mental illness. For more information, call (209) 381-6844 and a volunteer will contact you within 48 hours.

Pet carriers needed

New Beginnings of Merced needs carriers for the 200-plus animals they transport from Animal Control to no-kill rescue shelters each month. Any carriers appropriate for animals 30 pounds and under in usable condition are acceptable as well as new carriers or funds for their purchase. Receipts can be provided for tax purposes. Atwater residents please call (209) 658-8553. Merced residents call (209) 769-8953.

Open mic at American Legion

Cottonwood Creek will be the featured act at Open Mic night Saturday at the American Legion, 939 W. Main St. The event begins with the featured performers at 6 p.m. followed by open mic at 7 p.m. No cover charge. Tri-tip sandwiches and potato salad are available for $6. All proceeds go toward programs for youth and vets. For more information, call Ed Benes at (209) 658-2663.

Sun-Star Holiday Open House

Merced Sun-Star Publisher Valerie Bender is inviting readers to the Merced Sun-Star Holiday Open House, scheduled for Wednesday. Visitors can stop by the office at 3033 G St. from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be refreshments, prizes and a special photo session with Santa. The Harmony Valley Chorus also will perform. Admission is free, but RSVPs are encouraged. For more information, go to www.mercedsunstar.eventbrite.com, email customerloyalty@mercedsunstar.com or call (800) 540-4200.

Christmas concert planned

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church plans its 10th annual Christmas concert, “The Festival of Lessons and Carols,” at 5 p.m. Saturday at the church, 671 E. Yosemite Ave. Several choirs will be accompanied by a guest string quartet, and audience participation will be encouraged during the caroling portion. All ages are welcome. There is no charge, but organizers plan to take an offering. For more information, call the church office at (209) 383-3924.

Coat drive

The United Way is sponsoring a coat drive to benefit those in need in the community. Please donate new or slightly used coats at the United Way of Merced County office, 658 W. Main St. They can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

This story was originally published December 10, 2014 at 5:02 PM with the headline "Around Town (12/11/14)."