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School Helps Those In Need

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 19, 2008

HUDSON - Northwest Elementary School helps needy students and their families every holiday season, just like many other schools in Pasco County.

The slumping economy made this year a challenge, though, especially because many of the Northwest Elementary families depended on the construction industry for their incomes. The number of children in need nearly doubled during 2007, but the resources appeared to have shrunk.

"This year we had an unbelievable amount of requests for help," Assistant Principal Holly Oakes said.

Disappointed children on Christmas morning was a real possibility.

But with guidance counselor Lisa Peart leading the charge, the school went to work. Soon teachers, staff members, families, churches and businesses were stepping forward to help.

By Tuesday morning, an art room at the school was filled with wrapped presents and more were on the way.

Last year, the school helped 122 children. This year, 213 children were on the list. All are either Northwest students or their siblings

Ronnie Blair
Inaugural Concert Set For Saturday
CARROLLWOOD - Members of the Carrollwood Cultural Center Chorus and Band have been nervous with excitement over the groups' winter concert.

The groups will perform their inaugural concert at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road. Cost is $5 per person.

The concert will feature a collection of holiday favorites such as "Christmas on Broadway" and "A Hebrew Prayer."

Band director Helen Michaelson said the band is mostly made up of past musicians who wanted to get back to performing music. The members range in age from 15 to 92.

"Most of them love music and just wanted a chance to perform again," Michaelson said. "This is a way to do that while meeting some great people."

Michele Sager

Driver's License Office On Move

PLANT CITY - The driver's license office in Plant City is moving to larger quarters.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said the office at 408 W. Renfro St., Suite 110, will close at 5 p.m. today and reopen Monday at 2402 James L. Redman Parkway, Unit 2.

Hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The new space is in the Walden Woods Village shopping center, about two miles from the existing office. All employees will transfer to the new office.

George Wilkens

This Menorah Is A Can-Do Effort

BRANDON - Chabad of Brandon will collect canned food for distribution to charities and use them to construct a mega-menorah during a Hanukkah celebration set for 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Westfield Brandon mall.

The giant symbol of the Jewish Festival of Lights will be constructed in the outdoor courtyard near The Cheesecake Factory.

Chabad, a local Jewish community group, hopes to collect 1,000 cans of food to donate to Tampa Jewish Family Services and the Portamento of Hope Cafe, an organization that feeds the homeless in Brandon.

The festival will be free and open to the public and will feature crafts, face painting, hot latkes and a juggling show. For information or to donate cans, call (813) 657-9393.

Laura Frazier

Holiday History Comes To Life

RUSKIN - Shepherds, sheep and goats, angels, three kings, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and a donkey will be at a live Nativity scene portrayed by the Ruskin United Methodist Church youth group on Saturday. Two programs will take place, at 6 and 7:15 p.m., on the church grounds, 105 Fourth Ave. N.W.

The event is free. Church members will provide refreshments, and church youths will distribute goodies to children who visit. Children may pet the animals. Call (813) 645-1241.

Barbara Routen

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