Dunkirk firefighters plan toy giveaway

The Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department’s annual toy giveaway has been set for Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the basement of First American Baptist Church, 427 S. Main St., Dunkirk. Those attending the giveaway should enter from Jay Street and should bring a driver’s license and a current utility bill for proof of residency.

Those who wish to donate new toys for the giveaway should take them to the Dunkirk Fire Station.



Tree fest

The 15th annual Fort Festival of Trees will be held at the Fort Recovery Public Library, Dec. 9 through 31 during regular business hours.

Trees and wreaths will be decorated by local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals. The display is free and open to the public. Visitors will vote for their favorite tree and the display with the most votes will receive the title of “2019 People’s Choice Award”.



Blood drives

Two American Red Cross blood drives have been scheduled for December in Jay County.

Blood will be collected on Friday, Dec. 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at IU Health Jay Hospital.

Then on Monday, Dec. 23, there will be a Red Cross blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. at Bryant Wesleyan Church, 209 S. Hendricks St., Bryant.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.



Write soon

The temperature is dropping. Sightings of Santa Claus are on the rise. And holiday decorations are popping up all over the place.

That can only mean one thing: It’s time for area youngsters to write their letters to Santa to be included in The Commercial Review’s annual Christmas Greetings special section.

Letters may be sent via email to [email protected], via the U.S. Postal Service at P.O. Box 1049, Portland, IN 47371, or dropped off at the newspaper’s offices at 309 W. Main St., Portland.

It’s also time for area pastors to be writing their Christmas messages to be included in that same section.

A letter went out to pastors in November urging them to take advantage of this opportunity to remind the community of the real meaning of the holiday.