Donate blood at Hernando blood center, child will receive a toy

SPRING HILL

Donate blood, toy will be given to child

Those who donate blood this month at LifeSouth Community Blood Center, 12395 Cortez Blvd., will have a Beau happy plush hound donated in their name to a child in need. Also, blood donors this week will be entered to win a Wii game system, with two winners to be chosen on Thursday. Winners will be notified by phone. One winner will also be drawn to receive an assorted gift basket. All donors will receive a LifeSouth blood donor wristband, an eco-friendly shopping bag and complimentary cholesterol screening. Donors must be 17 or older (16 year olds can donate with written parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and show a photo ID. For center hours, call (352) 596-2002.

Free meals for homeless, hungry

People Helping People of Hernando will serve free meals to the homeless and hungry from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Hernando County Senior Citizens Club, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road. Volunteers and donations are welcome. Call Diane Rowden at (352) 573-4178.

BROOKSVILLE

Join luncheon at church Thursday

Jericho Road Ministries will host the 12th annual Christmas Eve Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 109 S Broad St. The free family event is open to everyone. There will be music and song. For information, call (352) 799-2912, ext. 111.

COUNTYWIDE

Order collectible ornaments now

The Hernando County Tourist Development Council is taking orders for the two 2009 collectible Christmas ornaments: The Hernando County design celebrates the historical heritage of the Chinsegut Hill Manor House, designed by local artist Lynn Simone. The signed and numbered ornaments are $15, plus tax. Unsigned ornaments are $10, plus tax. The city of Brooksville design honors Rogers' Christmas House Village, provided by Brooksville Printing; the original artist is unknown. Ornaments are $10 each, plus tax. Visit naturallyhernando.org, or stop by the Hernando County Welcome Center at 30305 Cortez Blvd., Ridge Manor West. Call (352) 754-4405.

Today's pick

Celebration of Lights: 5:30-9 p.m., Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, 4150 S Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa. $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 6 to 12, free for ages 5 and younger. (352) 628-5343.

Hernando deaths

Detailed obituaries are published in Section B.