Toys for Tots coordinator and assistant Richard and Amber Young wrote that the campaign is under way with its “fill-a-van event this weekend,” running through Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Bangor Mall.

They especially appreciate the help of members of the University of Maine Reserve Officer Training Corps who “help every weekend, as well at the Bangor Mall,” they wrote.

Marine Corps League 1151 is seeking donations of toys for needy children in our area, Last year, the total was 5,300.

New, unwrapped toys may be donated from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday this month at 1010 Stillwater Ave., Bangor, and in drop-off boxes in area communities.

For drop-off sites, visit www.marinetoysfortots.org or call the Bangor site at 992-2778 or the Youngs at 945-6559.

Volunteers also will collect Toys for Tots at the UMaine hockey game Saturday, Dec. 8, at Alfond Arena in Orono.

Congratulations to Patawa Club of Bangor, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

It is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs. Caitlin Roberts Sullivan wrote that the 45 active members volunteer and raise money for area charities such as Spruce Run, My Choice, Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, Camp Capella, Manna Ministries and others.

Its major 2007 fundraisers have been the sale of its River City Cookbook and its Christmas auction.

The cookbooks are available at gift stores and bookstores throughout Bangor, and the Christmas auction will be at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Bangor Motor Inn.

Tickets, including dinner, are $20, and may be ordered by calling Sherry Dalton, 989-3290, or Donna Treadwell, 945-3044.

Executive director Joshua Torrance reports A Victorian Christmas At Woodlawn will be 1-4 p.m. today, Sunday, Dec, 2, and the same times Dec. 8, Dec. 9, Dec. 15, Dec. 16, Dec. 22, and Dec. 23, at the museum, Route 172, Ellsworth.

Admission is $5 for adults, $1 for children 5-12, free for children under 5.

Group and school tours are available by appointment.

For information, call 667-8671 or visit www.woodlawnmuseum.org.

Nancy Herr e-mailed that the Ruggles House Society third annual Christmas tea and holiday sale will 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Ruggles House, 146 Main St., Columbia Falls.

The historic facility will be decorated for the holidays. Admission to the tea is $3.

For information, call 546-7903 or visit www.ruggleshouse.org.

Family and friends who have lost a loved one are invited to a remembrance service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, in the Waldo County General Hospital Education Center, 118 Northport Ave., Belfast.

Sandra Gordon of Waldo County Healthcare wrote that “the uplifting service can provide comfort” for those “who may be feeling grief as the holiday season draws near.”

“People are invited to bring a photograph or other memento” of their loved one, and talk and share with others after the service.

Refreshments will be served before the closing ceremony.

For information, call Margie Spencer-Smith, 338-2268, or Flic Shooter, 930-2677.

Also, Gordon wrote, “a crafts group that creates tray favors” for the hospital’s patients will meet 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3, at the Education Center.

It is sponsored by the Hospital Aid, and any community member is welcome to join the group and help make favors for people in the hospital during a holiday.

Carol McElwee reports the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum committee will present Kounty Kids Got Talent at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and are available at the door or in Caribou at Caribou Food Trend, 2nd Hand Rose, Mr. Paperback and Aroostook Center Mall; at York’s Book Store in Houlton; Ezzy’s Music in Van Buren; and Daigle Furniture in Madawaska.

The show features Aroostook County children 6-16, and special entertainment by Annie Charles, Molly Bouchard and Erin Buck.

Proceeds benefit the proposed children’s museum for Aroostook County.

For information, visit www.cariboudiscovery.org.

Simpson Memorial Library trustee Sue Kircheis wrote that the library and Carmel Historical Society invite you to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the library in Carmel Village.

“Afterward, participants are invited to view a replica of Carmel Village in the barn of the Paul Haskell House next door to the library,” she wrote, “as well as enjoy refreshments in the house itself.”

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.