Action Ministries Gainesville

Action Ministries Gainesville is launching its first "White Christmas" program for low-income children. Sign up now. Choose the number of children you'd like to "adopt" and you'll be provided with the child or children's name, age, size and gift wishes.

Provide a gift totaling $50 to $70 and deliver by today to 1 First St., Gainesville.

For more information, call 770-531-0144, ext. 5644.

Toys for Tots

Baxter's 1,000-mile run Dec. 17 will benefit Toys for Tots, with a goal of participants running or walking a cumulative 1,000 miles.

Entry is $20 per person and all of the proceeds benefit Toys for Tots to buy toys, games and clothing for children up to age 13.

The event begins at 7 a.m. at the track next to Baxter's Multi-Sport at 2480 Limestone Parkway in Gainesville. It will end at dark. There will also be a bonfire, bouncy castle, hot chocolate and prizes, and participants will receive a commemorative sweatshirt.

Register online at active.com or go by Baxter's. For more information, call 770-532-2453, ext. 3.

Salvation Army Angel Tree Program

Angels are available for "adoption" at the Hoschton City Grille, 21 City Square, Hoschton, benefitting the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program in Hall, Jackson and Barrow counties.

Each angel tag includes a name, age and size of a child in need. Ages range from 12 months to 13 years old. Suggested donations include clothing for school, a pair of shoes and two to three toys.

Unwrapped items should be returned to the restaurant with the angel tag by Saturday. Cash and check donations are also accepted.

For more information, contact Greta Refert, 770-652-8602.

Under the Bridge Ministries

Jazzercise Fitness Center of Gainesville is collecting canned food, coats and blankets for Under the Bridge Ministries. Bring one of those items and attend a class for free. For a class schedule, contact Colleen Manji at 678-357-1690 or jazzercisegv@charter.net.

Classes are held at 199 John Morrow Parkway in Gainesville. For more information about Under the Bridge Ministries, contact Jason Ladd at 678-776-8635.

I've Been Grinched

The Hall County Sheriff's Citizens Academy Alumni Association is raising money for the citizens academy, sheriff's office and Christmas bicycle program by asking residents to "Grinch" others' lawns. Grinching costs $20 and those who are Grinched can pay a suggested donation of $40 to have the Grinches removed or sent to another house. Grinches will be removed in 24 hours otherwise. For more information, contact hcscaaa@yahoo.com.

Red Cross

The American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region has issued a 30K for the Holidays challenge to help prevent winter blood shortages. The goal is to collect 30,000 pints of blood between Nov. 19 and Dec. 31.

All blood types are needed but especially the universal type O negative. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. Donors must be at least 17, meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and bring identification.

Be a Santa to a Senior

The Be a Santa to a Senior program needs help wrapping gifts and is having a communitywide gift wrapping party 1-3 p.m. Thursday at Dogwood Forest. For more information, contact melinda.carnes@homeinstead.com.

Boys & Girls Clubs

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Leadership Hall County program is conducting a toy drive through Thursday, seeking to collect 1,500 gifts that will be distributed at the Boys & Girls Clubs' annual Christmas Party on Dec. 15.

Unwrapped toys are requested for children ages 5-17. Drop-off locations include the Hall County Courthouse; Regions Bank branches; Wells Fargo main branch; United Community Bank main branch, Thompson Bridge and Oakwood branches; Community Bank & Trust; Brenau University's Burd and Jacobs buildings; the cafeteria at Northeast Georgia Medical Center; and many local churches, schools and businesses. Financial contributions may also be made to the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.

Hungry Bowl Pet Food Drive

As part of an effort by Pet Sitters International, local businesses are urging people to donate pet food to benefit the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia.

The humane society especially needs dry puppy and kitten food. Donations are accepted through Monday at the following locations:

• Smiley's Pets 1210 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville
• Gainesville Vet Hospital, 1363 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville
• Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, 845 W. Ridge Road, Gainesville
• Village Pets, 1500 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville
• Green's Grocers, 971 Riverside Drive #B, Gainesville
• Pet Pleasers, 4324 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood
• Chestnut Mountain Animal Hospital, 3904 Winder Highway, Flowery Branch

For more information, contact Lindsey Barksdale of Peace O' Mind Pet Care at care@petsittinggainesville.com.

Hall-Dawson Court-Appointed Special Advocates

Hall-Dawson CASA is hosting an open house and toy drive noon to 2 p.m. Friday at The Little House, 603 Washington St., Gainesville. Bring an unwrapped toy or gift card for one of the children or teenagers served by CASA. For more information, call 770-531-1964.