Anthony’s Café toy drive
Anthony’s, 319 E. Girard Ave., is hosting its first holiday toy drive for the patients at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy at the bar. Contact the staff at 215–634–0981. ••
NKCDC holiday program
New Kensington CDC (NKCDC) is seeking referrals from community organizations and leaders for individuals and families in the 19125 and 19134 ZIP codes who would benefit from its holiday program — the program provides a gift certificate to Target or Wal-Mart for the holidays.
If you know of an individual or family in need who would be eligible for this program, please contact Drew Serres at dserres@nkcdc.org by Dec. 7. ••
Greensgrow cookie party and recipe swap
On Dec. 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., visit Greensgrow Farms for a cookie party and recipe swap. Bring your cookies and recipe cards to swap.
Please bring at least two dozen cookies and recipe cards for your favorite cookie recipe, meet your neighbors, and swap! If you are interested in swapping, please RSVP to kitchen@greensgrow.org. ••
St. Anne holiday social
Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., at St. Anne’s social hall, 2328 E. Lehigh Ave. Includes draft beer, food and DJ, with door prizes, 50/50, $1 chances and an auction. Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
For tickets, contact Mary Ladd at 267–975–6972 or Julie Post at 215–423–7932. Funds will raise money for needy families in St. Anne’s parish. ••
Greensgrow holiday bazaar
The bazaar, a neighborhood sale of crafts, gifts, food, and other holiday items, will take place on two weekends in December: Saturday, Dec. 8 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Greensgrow Farms, 2503 E. Firth St. ••
MDG pictures with Santa
The Mother of Divine Grace Home and School Association is hosting professional pictures with Santa taken by the Trinitarian Sisters on Saturday, Dec. 8, from noon until 2 p.m. in the church hall, Thompson and Cambria streets.
Arts and crafts for kids will be available and the kitchen will be open for the sale of light refreshments. ••
A Christmas penny party
First Presbyterian Church, 418 E. Girard Ave., will host a Christmas “penny party” Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Admission is $5 for adults. Price includes one sheet of tickets for all sorts of items. Door prizes and light lunch will also be available. ••
Konrad Square flea market
The Friends of Konrad Square will host a flea market on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Tulip and Dauphin streets from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Anyone interested in renting a space should call Vicky 215–426–9654. ••
Food drive at 2424 Studios
Support a local soup kitchen Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Philly Photo Studio is holding the “Smiles. Can. Help. Philly Photo Studio’s First Annual Canned-Food Drive and Photo with Santa Day,” which aims to collect 1000 pounds of food.
Philly Photo Studio is holding the event in cooperation with Liberti Church and Stay True Philadelphia, a Port Richmond organization that helps middle school kids.
The event will take place at Liberti Church East, 2424 E. York St., #122. All the cans donated will go directly to Blessed Sarnelli Soup Kitchen, 2739 Kensington Ave.
Holiday crafts and games will be available for kids of all ages. Santa Claus will also be visiting throughout the day. Proceeds benefit Blessed Sarnelli.
The canned-good collection will run from Dec. 8 through Dec. 21. Canned goods will be accepted at Philly Photo Studio, 2424 E. York St. #326, Blessed Sarnelli, 2739 Kensington Ave., and Stay True, 3227 Amber St. 3–4-A, until end of day Dec. 21. ••
NKCDC seeks members
The New Kensington Neighborhood Advisory Subcommittee (NAS) is seeking members. Work on safety, zoning, sustainability, or other issues that matter to you and your neighbors. As a NAS member, you will serve a two-year term beginning in January 2013, and attend 10 monthly meetings per year, at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at NKCDC’s office, 2515 Frankford Ave.
The NAS nominations meeting will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the NKCDC office. Bring proof of address. ••
Rock to the Future Holiday Showcase
Philly’s youth music education program will host its third annual holiday showcase December 15 at 5 p.m. Enjoy the original musical stylings of the program’s students as well as holiday favorites. A $5 donation to the event includes a holiday feast, which also features vegetarian and vegan options. This event is family-friendly, and will take place at 2139 E. Cumberland Ave. ••
FNA holiday party
The Fishtown Neighbors Association invites you its 2012 holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at Frankford Hall, 1210 Frankford Ave.
Bring some of your favorite cookies to snack on and exchange!
FNA will also be collecting gifts for Toys for Tots. If you are able to make a donation, please mark the toy for boy/girl and the appropriate age range. If you have further questions about toys, check out the FAQ section at www.fishtown.org. Frankford Hall will graciously be offering happy hour specials for FNA guests. Bring a friend and come enjoy some holiday cheer.
Caroling in Penn Treaty Park
Join the Friends of Penn Treaty Park Saturday, Dec. 22, beginning at 2 p.m., for the annual Christmas caroling stroll through the park. Make ornaments for the holiday tree and enjoy hot chocolate and candy canes. The park is located at Delaware and Columbia avenues. ••
Historic holiday church tour
Ever wanted to explore some of Philadelphia’s oldest and most beautiful buildings? The churches of Kensington and Fishtown will open their doors Dec. 30 for a guided bus tour through the history of Philadelphia, replete with yuletide splendor.
All proceeds go to benefit these architectural and cultural treasures, some of which may be at risk of boarding up their doors forever.
Let St. Laurentius’ choir performance reignite your holiday cheer. Come celebrate Old Brick’s 200th anniversary. Each of the six churches will welcome you in, as historian Ken Milano reveals the hidden stories of the neighborhood.
Bus leaves NKCDC, 2515 Frankford Ave. at 1 p.m. and returns at 4 p.m. on Dec. 30. Light refreshments will be provided. Suggested ticket price is $20.
To buy tickets online, email djih@nkcdc.org or call Debbie Kinkead at 215–427–0350, ext. 112. All tickets must be purchased by Dec. 17. Sponsored by NKCDC and Partners for Sacred places. ••
Classes at Mater Dolorosa
Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, at 1976 Ruan St., invites all families to its parish. Register for CCD classes — for youth needing sacraments — or RCIA classes for adults needing sacraments. Call the rectory at 215–535–4036. ••
Free tutoring at New Kingdom Baptist Church
New Kingdom Baptist Church, located at 2445–47 N. Mascher St. provides free after-school tutoring for students in grades K — 8. Subjects covered include reading, math, and science. Tutoring is available Mondays through Fridays, from 3 to 6 p.m. through the end of the 2012–2013 public school year.
This program is a resource for students requiring additional assistance with their studies.
Enrichment activities and parent workshops are also available. Please call the church office at 267–273–0432 for additional information. ••
Would you like to see your River Wards community event listed in Star? Send event listings to star@bsmphilly.com.
