Around Town (11/24/14)

Christmas tree forest

The city of Livingston will host its first Court of Trees “A Lighted Christmas Tree Forest” on the Old Court Theater property in downtown Livingston. The city has invited schools, nonprofits, families, clubs, churches, businesses and neighbors to get a tree and decorate it to represent them. The lighted Christmas Tree Forest will be unveiled at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 before the annual lighted Christmas Parade. It will then be open with lights daily from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 through Dec. 24. For more information, contact Livingston’s recreation department at (209) 394-8830.

Thanksgiving meal

The Merced County Rescue Mission will hold its annual Thanksgiving meal for the less fortunate from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 27 Thursday at the American Legion, 939 W. Main St.

Thanksgiving dinner

The Livingston United Methodist Church will have its annual Thanksgiving dinner at noon Sunday at the church’s Pioneer Hall, 11695 Olive Ave. in Livingston. Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy will be supplied. All are welcome. Come and bring a favorite Thanksgiving side dish to share or leave a donation to help offset the cost of the free gathering. For more information, call (209) 394-2264.

Foster children’s party

The Merced County Foster Parents Association plans a Christmas party for foster children Dec. 13. 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.

Literacy tutors

Share the gift of reading with another. Join volunteer tutors at Merced County libraries by calling the Read and Succeed – Merced Adult Literacy Program at (209) 385-7391 to reserve a space at the information orientation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. For those interested, a tutor training follows from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Both events are at the Merced County Library, 2100 O St. Attendees must be 18 or older. Reservations required.

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 to United Way of Merced County at 658 W. Main St. They can be dropped off starting Nov. 10, from 8 to 5 pm.

Toy drive, carnival

The Merced County Barhoppers Motorcycle Club plans a toy drive and carnival at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at Kiddieland in Applegate Park, 1045 W. 25th St. The club is asking for donations of unwrapped toys.

This story was originally published November 23, 2014 at 4:05 PM with the headline "Around Town (11/24/14)."