With the holiday season fast approaching, New York Blood Center (NYBC) is urging everyone eligible to consider giving the best gift of all this holiday season - the gift of life - with a blood or platelet donation.

Eligible donors include those people at least age 16 (in New York) or 17 (in New Jersey) who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health, and meet all Food & Drug Administration and state Department of Health donor criteria.

Potential donors, and those who would like to host a blood drive at their job or in their community, are urged to call New York Blood Center at (800) 933-BLOOD or visit the Web site at www.nybloodcenter.org to find a convenient blood drive location or donation center in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley and New Jersey. Appointments can also be scheduled online.

NYBC, including its five regional operations, has been providing lifesaving transfusion products and services to the greater New York/New Jersey community since 1964. NYBC is also home to the Lindsey F. Kimball Research Institute and the National Cord Blood Program at the Milstein National Cord Blood Center.

BlueClaws holiday food,

toy drive returns Dec. 9

The Lakewood BlueClaws will hold a "Breakfast with Buster" food and toy drive Dec. 9 at FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood. Manhattan Bagel, Brick, will provide free bagels and coffee to all patrons who drop off items between 8-11 a.m. Buster and Santa Claus will greet fans as they drop off items. The BlueClaws will distribute all donated toys, toiletries, books and nonperishable food to The Salvation Army of Ocean County. Details: (732) 901-7000 or visit www.BlueClaws.com.

Howell kindergarten

registration scheduled

Howell schools will hold kindergarten registration at Howell Middle School North, 501 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, for children who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2007.

Registration will be accepted Feb. 3 for children who will be attending the Adelphia, Aldrich, Griebling, Newbury and Taunton schools.

Registration will be accepted Feb. 10 for children who will be attending the Ardena, Greenville, Land O'Pines, Ramtown and Southard schools.

For information and appointments call the following numbers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1-2 p.m.:

For Aldrich or Griebling schools sending areas, call (732) 751-2480, ext. 1 3865, Jan. 2-5.

For Adelphia, Newbury or Taunton schools sending areas, call (732) 751-2480, ext. 1 3866, Jan. 2-5.

For Ardena, or Land O'Pines schools sending areas, call (732) 751-2480, ext. 1 3865, Jan. 8-12.

For Ramtown or Southard schools sending areas, call (732) 751-2480, ext. 1 3866, Jan. 8-12.

After Jan. 12, all new registrations should be made by calling (732) 751-2480, ext. 1 3808. In the event of snow, the registration dates will be Feb. 24 and March 3.

Library seeks donations

for 'Books for Kids'

Ocean County Library is helping to make the holidays a special time for children in the community through its "Books for Kids" program. All 20 branches of the Ocean County Library are accepting new and gently used book donations from the community throughout the month of November. All books collected are distributed to disadvantaged children in Ocean County. Last year, Ocean County Library teamed up with many community groups and collected more than 2,500 books.

"Books for Kids" is a statewide program sponsored by the New Jersey Library Association's Children's Services Section. It was started in 1991. This project was undertaken with hope that every child in New Jersey will able to experience the joy of reading books of their very own. Books can be donated at any branch of the Ocean County Library. For more information, call the Ocean County Library at (732) 349-6200.

Jackson participating

in Toys for Tots drive

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will conduct its 59th annual Toys for Tots drive this holiday season. Working with the 5th Motor Transport Battalion from Red Bank, this year marks the first time that Jackson Township will be an official participant in the drive.

An official Toys for Tots drop-off box has been placed at Jackson Town Hall, 95 West Veterans Highway. The collection facility will be open during normal business hours from Nov. 27 through Dec. 15.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys suitable for any age from infant to 18 are being sought.

For details about Toys for Tots in Jackson, call (732) 928-1200.

Christmas gifts sought for children with cancer

The Ashley Lauren Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Brick Township, is seeking individuals, businesses or corporations who are interested in providing a Christmas gift to a child who has been diagnosed with cancer. The foundation is dedicated to bringing hope and help through financial, material and emotional support to New Jersey children with cancer. Those interested in becoming a "wish granter" for a child may call (732) 458-4200.

Brick H.S. drama club to present 'Plaza Suite'

BRICK - The Brick Township High School drama club will present the Neil Simon comedy "Plaza Suite" on Dec. 15-16 at the high school auditorium at 346 Chambers Bridge Road. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

"Plaza Suite" tells the story of three couples who occupy a suite at New York's Plaza Hotel at various times over a year.

Each story provides a unique look at the trials and tribulations of romantic life, as seen through the eyes of the playwright.

Admission for the show is $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. Details: (732) 262 2500, ext. 2093.

Howell Rec. announces

upcoming programs

The Howell Recreation Department is accepting registration for the following classes and events:

An adult tai chi class will be held at Echo Lake Pavilion, Howell, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Jan. 2 for five weeks. The fee is $50. A beginner class will be held 6-7 p.m., and an advanced class will be held 7-8 p.m.

Kickboxing classes for ages 16 to adult will be offered Tuesdays from Jan. 2 to Feb. 6, or Thursdays from Jan. 4 through Feb. 8, at the Howell Recreation building, 251 Preventorium Road. The fee is $25 for a six-week session.

A father-daughter dinner and dance will be held 6-9 p.m. Feb. 9 at Our House Tavern, Howell. The cost is $30 per person, payable when reservations are made. The event will include a full dinner buffet, a professional color photo and music for dancing. Call (732) 938-4500, ext. 2501, for details and registration.

Howell Rec. offering

classes in CPR, first aid

The Howell Recreation Department is accepting registration for classes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, to be held Feb. 17 in the Howell Recreation building, 251 Preventorium Road. The fees are $75 for CPR and first aid, $45 for CPR only, and $35 for first aid only. Registration is required. Class size will be limited. Call (732) 938-4500, ext. 2501, for details.

Howell middle school to be featured on TV show

"Classroom Close-up, NJ," a seven-time Emmy-winning show produced by the New Jersey Education Association and NJN Public Television, will visit Howell Middle School South on Dec. 7 to tape a story about a Web site started by teacher Cherie Reid. The Web site, www.kidsthankavet.com, teaches children to appreciate the nation's veterans and has spread to 23 states in five months. The show will air Feb. 5 and March 12 at 6:30 p.m., and Feb. 10 and March 17 at 9 a.m.

The NJEA is the major underwriter for "Classroom Close-up, NJ" with additional support provided by PSE&G, NJ Family Care and BNY Mortgage.

Now in its 13th season, "Classroom Close-up, NJ" features innovative programs going on in public school classrooms.