Around Town (12/08/14)

Free flu shots

Free flu shots are being provided by Walgreens at the Merced United Way office for those without health coverage, or unable to afford a flu shot. Recipients must be 7 years of age or older. Flu shots will be offered 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at 658 W. Main St. For more information, call United Way of Merced County, (209) 383-4242.

‘A Christmas Carol’

Mitchell Senior Elementary School’s Drama Department will present Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. Friday. More than 40 of the Atwater junior high’s students will bring to life the classic holiday tale of Scrooge’s journey of self-redemption through the help of three ghosts and a lad named Tiny Tim. The free performance will be held in the cafeteria, 1753 Fifth St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be sold. For more information, call (209) 357-6124.

Toy drive, carnival

The Merced County Barhoppers Motorcycle Club plans a toy drive and carnival at 10 a.m. Saturday at Kiddieland in Applegate Park, 1045 W. 25th St. The club is asking for donations of unwrapped toys.

Holiday bake sale

New Beginnings for Merced County Animals is holding its annual holiday bake sale from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Christina’s Fine Clothing, 2852 G St. The bake sale will feature tons of goodies for people and dogs, as well as a raffle. Come enjoy a tasty treat while helping an animal in need. For more information, call Emily at (209) 628-0296.

Christmas concert

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church will have 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. 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.

Foster children’s party

The Merced County Foster Parents Association will have a Christmas party for foster children Saturday. The group is looking for donations of money, toys, clothing, diapers and canned food to benefit the children. For more information, call Louise Klock at (209) 658-0445.

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. After the tour, there will be a raffle at Vista Ranch and Cellars, 7326 E. Highway 140. 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.

Blood drive

BloodSource Merced is hosting its 2014 Season of Giving drive until Dec. 31. Blood donors will receive a commemorative T-shirt and other items. Last year more than 900 people gave blood, helping to save more than 2,700 lives. The group hopes to collect more than 1,000 donations this month to help 3,000 local patients in need. BloodSouce is at 382 E. Yosemite Ave., Merced and 1040 W. Monte Vista Ave., Turlock. For more information, go to www.bloodsource.org or call (866) 822-5663 to schedule a donation appointment.

This story was originally published December 7, 2014 at 4:08 PM with the headline "Around Town (12/08/14)."