COMMUNITY CA L E N DA R
Nov. 28 WINCHESTER Blood drive
LifeStream Blood Bank will hold a mobile blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 28 at Farmer Boys, 30625 Benton Road, Winchester. LifeStream tests all successful blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Donors will learn their results and if their plasma could possibly help current COVID patients. Donors will also receive a cholesterol screening. Make an appointment by calling (800) 879-4484 or visiting lstream.org.
Nov. 30 TEMECULA Christmas tree lighting
Join the city of Temecula virtually for the annual Christmas tree lighting at Duck Pond Park. The video event will premiere on the Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page on Nov. 30. Visit https://www.facebook.com/temeculaparksandrec
Through Nov. 30 VALLEYWIDE LifeStream Dream Raffle
LifeStream is holding a Dream Raffle fundraiser, with more than $25,000 in prizes, to benefit the blood bank. Tickets cost $10 each, six for $50, or 13 for $100 and can be purchased through Nov. 30 by calling (909) 386-6840 or online at lstream.org/raffle. Top prizes include $5,000 cash and a “spring break” vacation to Orlando, Fla. Visit lstream.org for more information.
Through Dec. 4 TEMECULA Holiday home decorating contest
The city of Temecula is holding its ‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas Home Decorating Contest through Dec. 4. Participants may register as a single residence or with neighbors and be judged as a neighborhood. Registration of photos of front yard decorations must be submitted by Dec. 4. For more information, or to register, visit https:// secure.rec1.com/CA/temecula-ca/catalog.
Dec. 4 TEMECULA Coffee Connection
The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a virtual Coffee Connection at 8 a.m. Dec. 4. The event features sponsor presentations, networking breakout rooms and business updates. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ temecula-coffee-dec.
Dec. 5 LAKE ELSINORE Waste cleanup
The city will hold its monthly household hazardous waste collection event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5 at 512 N. Langstaff St., Lake Elsinore, next to the city’s Public Works Yard. Items such as automotive chemicals, batteries, electronics, household chemicals and cleaners, and paint can be dropped off. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/LE-household-waste.
Through Dec. 10 VALLEYWIDE Gingerbread kit pickup
Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District is reinventing its annual gingerbread events by offering a drive-thru pickup of supplies for residents to build their own gingerbread houses. Take a photo of your completed house and email it to valleywidevirtualevents@gmail.com for a chance to be entered into a holiday raffle. Kits are limited and cost $2 each; registration required. For more information or to register, visit https://www.gorecreation.org/holidaygingerbread-house-nights.
Through Dec. 14 TEMECULA Letters to Santa
Need to get a letter to Santa? Mail your child’s letter (or yours) to the City Hall North Pole, 41000 Main St., Temecula, CA 92590, between Nov. 23 and Dec. 14. If it arrives early enough, Santa might send a letter back.
Ongoing MURRIETA Senior games
The Murrieta Senior Center staff has compiled a list of free online games to help seniors keep busy while the center is closed. Visit www.murrietaca.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/SeniorCenter-7 for links to games.
TEMECULA Virtual recreation for seniors
The city of Temecula has compiled a list of virtual activities, classes, games and more for seniors at temeculaca.gov/1346/Senior-SpecialNeeds-Resources. The webpage also has information about meal programs for seniors.
VALLEYWIDE Library programs
Libraries across the region are offering virtual programming, e-book and audiobook checkouts, and more for residents of all ages. Visit their websites for more information:
Temecula, Grace Mellman Community Library: https://tinyurl.com/yyxh947j
Murrieta Public Library: etaca.gov/261/Library
www.murri
Lake Elsinore Public Library: tinyurl.com/y9vhelbp
VALLEYWIDE Blood donations
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Donations of blood and plasma are critically needed for patients throughout the region. LifeStream continues to host mobile blood drives at various locations as well as collections at its regular locations. Face coverings are required of all donors, regardless of location, and all potential donors are subject to a temperature check and COVID-19 symptom review before admission to the donor waiting area. All donations are tested for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies. The Murrieta donation center is a 40365 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, and is open seven days a week; hours vary. For hours or for more information, visit www.lstream.org.
Email community event information at least three weeks in advance to temecula@sduniontribune.com.