Following are some of the ways lake-area residents can help spread joy during the holiday season.

CHARITY CHUG: Public is invited to view three train layouts. Donations for Lake Christian Ministries will be accepted. Dec. 7. 2 until 4 p.m. See story on Page 14.

GODPARENTS FOR TANZANIA ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS TREE: Through Dec. 21. Give a donation and take a gift from the tree set up at Trinity Ecumenical Parish. All gifts, from straw purses and jewelry to carvings and baskets, are handmade in Tanzania. Proceeds benefit Godparents of Tanzania, Door of Hope Maasai Ministry and Hai Technical Training Center. In addition to gifts, donors can purchase items for the charities, including mosquito nets for $15 or food for one month for a resident of Door of Hope for $25. Pidge Morgan, (540) 721-4992 or (540) 420-3708.

A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS: Families can sign up their children through Dec. 5 to receive toys, clothing and other necessities on Dec. 13. Donations can be made through angel trees at various locations around the lake, including churches and post offices. Lake Christian Ministries (540) 297-3214.

SML ROTARY CHRISTMAS TREE SALE: Begins today. Hot Shots Family Fun Center, Virginia 122 between Liquid Lube & Wash and Conrad Brothers Marine. Proceeds benefit student leadership- and teacher-recognition programs in Franklin and Bedford counties.

VIRGINIA DARE FLOTILLA FOR TOYS: Saturday, Dec. 6, 7 until 9 p.m. Will collect toys to be donated to Lake Christian Ministries, which will be distributed to needy children. Entry fee for boats is a new, unwrapped toy from each captain and one from each guest. Participants who collect a large number of toys should drop them off on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. until noon at Lake Christian Ministries or at Hot Shots Family Fun Center on Virginia 122. Other toy collection locations are: SML Visitor's Center, Mariners Landing, Moneta Farm and Home Center, SML State Park, Fallon's Restaurant, Dr. Garst, Westlake CVS, The General Store, SML Mercantile, Chopsticks, Capps, Westlake BB&T, Dollar General, Good Looks Hair Salon, Blackwater Cafe, UPS Store, StellarOne Bank, Freckles Ice Cream, Radio Shack, Joe's Pizza, The Veranda and Virginia Dare Marina. (540) 297-7100 ext. 0.

U.S. MARINES TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE: Friday, Dec. 5, 4 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Westlake Towne Center. There will be collection boxes for toy donations inside each participating retail store. (540) 721-5288 or e-mail chris@thewillardcompanies.com.

THE SM ELVES LISTING OF HOLIDAY EVENTS THAT BENEFIT THOSE IN NEED WILL RUN EVERY WEEK THROUGH DEC. 26. E-mail liz.hock@roanoke.com to have your event included.

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