In the past week, the weather has taken a turn into winter, as the sunshine and breezes of the weekend turned to high winds and colder air in a matter of 24 hours. The holidays cannot be far behind.
It seems that Christmas is already here, judging by the retailers in the area. Please remember to pick up that new unwrapped toy for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots collection.
This time of year also lends itself to cleaning out closets. You will be looking for that lost glove or the winter coat that has migrated into the depths of the hall closet.
Why not donate some of those gently used coats and gloves to Sub Zero Mission? The mission’s purpose is to help keep the homeless from freezing injury because of extreme temperatures.

Boulevard of Flags Thank You
“Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to the Boulevard of Flags to take down the flags on Nov. 16,” said Joe Strand, chairman of the Boulevard of Flags committee.
Strand also reported that it was the biggest turnout ever and the committee truly appreciated the help from everyone who participated.
The committee is now planning a dinner fundraiser for the end of February 2014. Details will be announced as soon as they become available. For information about volunteering, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344.

Students hope to stuff the bus
Sub Zero Mission is a charity established to help prevent injuries caused by freezing in extreme weather to the homeless and financially destitute Americans, with a special focus on military veterans.
Heritage Middle School, 135 Cedarbrook Drive in Painesville, is helping with the mission. The students are preparing now for the drive that will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6.
Donations of adult men’s and women’s coats, sleeping bags, tents, blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, fleeces, sweatshirts and hoodies will all be welcome. Donate any school day between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to help stuff the bus on Dec. 6. On that date, the community is also welcome to help stuff the mission bus.
In addition, students will be making fleece blankets and donating them to Sub Zero Mission.
The donated items will be delivered to the homeless during the winter months of 2013 and 2014.

Fairport community party aims to fill the cruiser
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754 and the Fairport Harbor Police Department will host a Christmas Community Party “Fill the Cruiser” event from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the post home, 540 New Street, Fairport Harbor.
Help fill the cruiser with new unwrapped toys to benefit Toys for Tots and then join in the activities inside. The afternoon event will include games, crafts, music, prizes and a visit with some very special guests.
Photos with Santa between 2 and 4 p.m. will be followed by Jungle Terry at 4 p.m. and Officer McGruff also will make the party special.
For details, call the post home at 440-352-1123.

Stockings filled with Christmas cheer
DeJohn Funeral Homes and Crematory is participating in the fourth annual Stockings for Soldiers and Shelters initiative. The program is for anyone who would like to pick up a free Christmas stocking to take home, decorate, stuff with Christmas cheer and return to the funeral home by Dec. 2.
The funeral home will ship the stockings at its expense to troops abroad or to area organizations in time for Christmas.
The stockings may be picked up at either funeral home location, 4600 Mayfield Road in South Euclid or 28890 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills. Pickup can be made between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, concluding Nov. 29.
For details call 440-278-7101. `

Red Roof Inns toy drop off sites
Red Roof Inns are official toy drop-off locations for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots annual collection. The annual toy collection benefits families who are in need of a little extra help during the holiday season.
Toy donation boxes will be available in the hotel lobby through Dec. 15 for donations to be made. The Red Roof Inn is located at 4166 Route 306 in Willoughby.

Bonus deadline nearing
Ohio veterans who served during the Persian Gulf War have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Ohio Veterans Bonus and receive the thank you for their service awarded them by Ohio’s citizens.
The bonus continues for veterans of the Iraq War, who have until Dec. 31, 2014, to apply. No deadline has been announced for veterans of the Afghanistan War and all veterans who served after Oct. 7, 2001.
For details, call toll free 877-OHIOVET, option 2; or visit www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov.

Cost of life membership to change 
Marines wishing to take advantage of the life membership rates that are currently in effect with the Marine Corps League must have the dues in to the detachment office, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, by Dec. 28. Dues will increase after Jan. 1.
The age ranges for life membership and the amount will both change. For information about the changes, call the Col. Justice Chambers Detachment 555 at 440-974-9380.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.