To have an item listed, mail to the Gazette-Packet, 1604 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; fax to 703-917-0991 or e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. If you have any questions, call Elizabeth Orr at 703-917-6449.
The YMCA Alexandria will hold a Thanksgiving holiday food drive from Nov. 1-21. Food drive donations can be dropped off in the YMCA Alexandria lobby area at 420 E. Monroe Ave. Volunteers are also needed to help prepare baskets. Contact Marcie Leggett for more information at 703-838-8085, ext. 209.
Tree Donor Needed. The City of Alexandria needs a 25- to 35-foot Colorado blue spruce for the holiday season. The tree will be removed and the stump ground for free. This year’s tree lighting ceremony will take place Friday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m., at Market Square, 301 King St. For additional information or to donate a tree, call 703-838-4999.
Calls from the Clauses. The Alexandria Department of Recreations, Parks and Cultural Activities provides young people with an opportunity to receive a phone call from Santa or Mrs. Claus in December. The Clauses try to call every child. Letters requesting the calls should be sent to: Mr. and Mrs. Claus, c/o ARPCA, 1108 S. Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Each letter should include the child's name, telephone number and whether they are a boy or a girl, as well as if a Spanish or TTY call is needed. The program is free; to be honored, all requests must be made by Friday, Nov. 19. Requests will not be accepted by phone, but call 703-838-4844 with questions
Crafters wanted. Spaces are still available for the fifth annual Holiday Extravaganza juried craft show, to be held Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Thomas Jefferson High School, 6560 Braddock Road. For more information or to apply, call Susan Johnson at 703-321-8373 or Elaine Wade at 703-425-6256.