• On Mon., Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., the Benton House and Bookmamas will present the 1943 Stars Over Hollywood radio version of A Christmas Carol. The parts will be read by eight Irvingtonians in the historic home at 312 S. Downey Ave. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served. This is a great program for the whole family.
• Westminster Neighborhood Services is looking for volunteers for their food pantry or K-8 mentoring programs throughout the year. The organization, located at 2325 E. New York St. needs assistance serving breakfast and lunch in their soup kitchen, delivering donations to the organization, helping kids with homework, and a host of other projects. Call Westminster’s Office Manager Lauren Rollings at 317-632-9785 or e-mail lauren.rollings@westmin.org
• The Circle City Donut Dash will be held Feb. 17 and benefits Teacher’s Treasures on the near-eastside. Runners attempt to eat a dozen donut holes at the halfway point of the race (or you can enjoy your donuts at the post-race party and awards presentation). Want to volunteer or register? circlecitydonutdash5k.itsyourrace.com and start training!
• Near eastside moms in need can stock up on diapers and clothing for babies every Tuesday between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 2525 E. 11th St.
• Holiday Classical Concerts at the Library will be held Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair; Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Irvington Branch, 5625 E. Washington St.; and Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Lawrence Branch, 7898 N. Hague Rd., Individuals of all ages are invited to enjoy a performance of chamber ensemble music featuring holiday classics and carols by members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
• Speaking of library events, Indiana Backyard will be presented Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Warren Branch, 9701 E. 21st St. Preschoolers are invited to join Silly Safaris to learn about the animals that live in your backyard and visit with live animals.
• Irvington United Methodist Church Holiday Bazaar will be held Sat., Dec. 9 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at 30 N. Audubon Rd. The event coincides with their Santa Breakfast for the preschool, so it is great morning out for everyone in the family.
• The City of Southport is hosting Christmas in the Park Dec. 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Southport Park, 6901 Derbyshire Rd. Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m. There will be pizza and crafts for the kids.
• The holiday season brings much joy and fun to most people, but it is also an opportunity for thieves to do their worst. There have been several reports of house decoration theft in the area, plus package deliveries stolen off porches, robbers following people home from shopping excursions and taking goods, and worse. It bears repeating that good neighbors watch out for each other, and if you see suspicious activity, please call the police at 911 or non-emergency at 317-327-3811.