It seems members of the Peer Leadership group at the high school were feeling the spirit of giving earlier this month. Danielle Norris, a member of the group, brought volunteers to St Luke’s Lifeworks, a nonprofit organization in Stamford that provides learning opportunities, housing and support services to people overcoming homelessness in lower Fairfield County, on December 6 to wrap, collect and organize gifts for children affected by AIDS in Connecticut. From what I hear, by the end of the day the student volunteers had helped wrap more than 5,000 gifts.

The Knights of Columbus Council 185 opened its Toy Closet, and on Monday night alone, the Knights handed out more than 1,500 toys. Based on what was in stock when they opened their doors, they figured they had enough on hand for this week’s open house, next week’s planned open house, and would even have a surplus beyond that. With the economy like it is and even with more donations dropped off than ever, though, the Knights handed out everything they had in 90 minutes. Tim Reilly, one of the Knights involved in the Toy Closet project, said the demand was “overwhelming.”

The Knights have already planned for another open house at St Rose Church on December 22, and they’re going to do whatever they can to make sure Christmas presents are available for anyone who needs them this year. With that in mind, an emergency toy drive will be held this weekend. Knights will be set up in the parking lot outside The Bee, at 5 Church Hill Road, from noon to 3 pm on Saturday. There is a special need, said Tim, for gifts and certificates for teenagers, but anything you can spare would be appreciated. If you can’t make it to the toy drive on Saturday, you can drop off a donation on Friday while The Bee’s office is open (7:30 am until at least 6 pm). Gifts can also be left in the church vestibule, 46 Church Hill Road, any time between now and December 22. Need more information? Call Tim at 270-1838, Bob Buchanan at 426-6195, or the St Rose Parish Office at 426-1014.

The Woods at Newtown will continue to host its food drive for local food pantries this week, next week, and even into the New Year. Donations of nonperishable goods such as pasta, cereal, and canned goods can be dropped off at 176 Mt Pleasant Road every day between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm. Also needed are paper goods such as napkins, towels and tissues, and toiletries including toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap. All donations will be forwarded to FAITH Food Pantry and to the Salvation Army’s Food Pantry. For additional information call 426-0847.

NHS sports followers will want to know that former NHS soccer standout Marcus Tracy and the Wake Forest soccer team reached the NCAA Tournament semifinals this past weekend. Newtown just keeps turning out top-notch athletes, too. Congratulations to two Newtown High School athletes who have been recognized for their efforts on the playing fields. Soccer player Tania Domingos received All-American accolades and baseball player Charlie LoBosco recently was given a partial scholarship to pitch at Canisius College in Buffalo. Good luck to all of them!

Monica Roberto from the Animal Center tells me that the last of the kittens she was fostering have found their forever homes. Now here’s hoping that another deluge of little homeless kittens holds off until next spring. I still say we need another cat at The Bee to balance out the canine vibes…

I know that poinsettias are not a good treat for kitties and doggies, but I do love to hide beneath the huge leaves and blossoms. If, like myself, you have yet to get your holiday flowers, remember that the students of the NHS Newtown Greenery have poinsettias for sale during the school day and school events. Don’t wait too long — when they are gone, that’s it until next year.

Here’s a tidbit for trivia lovers: December 17 was the 165th anniversary of the publication of Charles Dickens’s classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. Happy Birthday, Tiny Tim.

The front-page photo of the Sunday, December 14, New York Times had a credit line that rang a bell with The Bee office, and astute readers of our paper may have recognized the name Brendan Smialowsi, as well. When Brendan was first starting his photography career a few years back, he was often a contributor to The Bee. And to think we knew him when….

Even if you have no official business there, you might want to stop by the town clerk’s office sometime before December 23. Take a sharp look at the women working in the office there, then take a look at the “Santa’s Babies” photos on the counter. Do you see a resemblance? Cast your vote by matching up the right staff member with her baby pic, and they promise that there is a “delightful gift” awaiting the winner. (If only I could tell the eye color in those black and white photos….)

The only guess work I have left is guessing who is going to remember next week to…. Read me again. Happy Holidays!