It must be the season of giving, as evidence is all around. Wreaths are being placed on veterans graves; a giving tree is at Shaw’s where people can donate to pets via Responsible Pet Care in South Paris, and Christmas trees are being sold by the Kiwanis Club at the “old” shopping center, right in front of Aubuchon Hard-ware. Hard to believe the Kiwan-ians have been in the same spot for almost 40 years – 2:30-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends. And, finally, my book about Windham and in particular, the settling of the Gray Road (Route 202), has arrived just in time for gift-giving. Call me or email me (see above) if you are interested.Thank youWindham Neighbors Helping Neighbors appreciates the recent donations from Arkie Rogers Septic Service, Richard and Gale Davidson, and the Music with a Mission organization of North Windham Union Church. With generous donations like these, WNHN has been able to help dozens of Windham residents who find themselves in critical need of heat. Founded in 2007, WNHN is a 501(c)3 non-profit and is operated entirely by vol-unteers. All of the donations go to purchase fuel. For more information, visit the website at www.windhamneighbors.org. Donations can be made online or checks should be made out to Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors or WNHN and sent to: Norma Rogers, Treasurer, PO Box 1956 Windham, ME 04062. Democrats MeetWindham Democrats will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at the library. The regular meeting will be followed by a holiday celebration – bring your favorite hors d’oeuvres to share. Contact person is Mark Bryant, chairman of the Windham Democratic Town Committee, 892-6591.

News for Veterans

Windham VFW Post 10643 will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Windham Veterans Center. The supper will be at 5 p.m. The center is behind Windham Mall (Hannaford), take Veterans Memorial Drive by Friendly’s and follow to the end. VSO Jerry Smith will hold office hours at the center from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 11. The center will be closed on Christmas Day. The VSO (Veterans Service Officer) is available to advocate for veterans and/or their families needing VA support or information.

Toy Workshop and Christmas Baskets

Each year, Windham Food Pantry provides a Toy Workshop for qualified families so they can select a variety of toys. Signup for this will be available through Dec. 12. Also Christmas food baskets will be available and signup for these is the same dates. The Clothes Closet is accepting gently used, clean, warm winter clothing and the Food Pantry welcomes donations of funds and food. Call Colette at 892-1931 for more information.

Christmas Craft Fair

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, on River Road, will hold its annual Christmas fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be crafts, wreaths, baked goods, sweets, books, cookie walk, silent auction, jewelry, luncheon and much more. Join them for some holiday cheer.

Lions Club Stuff the Bus

The Windham Lions annual Stuff the Bus event will be held Dec. 7-8 at Hannaford Plaza in Windham from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Collections of non-perishable foods, money, toys and gift certificates will be for the families in Windham. The food pantry will distribute the food into holiday baskets for the Windham families that request help. They will also distribute the toys and gift certificates as well. Any money received will go directly to the Windham Food Pantry to purchase the hams and turkeys for the baskets.

Breakfast with Santa

On Saturday, Dec. 14, Windham Lions Club will hold Breakfast with Santa from 8-10 a.m. at the Windham Veterans Hall behind Hannaford. The Lions Club is very thankful to the Windham veterans for the use of the center. The breakfast is free (pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk, hot chocolate and coffee) but donations are accepted. Children will be able to talk with Santa and have their pictures taken. Bring your camera!

At the Library

There is no Book Club meeting in December. TNT Club for Tweens-n-teens, ages 10-18, meets from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. Topic is “Word to Screen: Books Made into Movies” and activity will be Cool Craft (book folding). For more information, call Miss Sally or Miss Barbara at 892-1908.

The Windham Public Library received a grant from the Maine Humanities Council and will be offering a “Making a Living, Making a Life,” a Let’s Talk about It program starting in January of 2014. It will be held in place of the regular Book Group meetings on the last Tuesdays of each month. Please call Barbara at the library: 892-1908 for more information. Space is limited. The artwork of Charlene Lee is being displayed at Windham Public Library through the month of January.