CHRISTMAS CRAFT OPEN HOUSE: St. Bernard Parish Library will hold a free craft program for all ages on Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at 2600 Palmisano Blvd. in Chalmette. Several make-and-take holiday crafts will be available, and all materials will be provided. While the crafts are meant to be stress-free, parents may need to assist younger children.
THRIVE CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE: Donations are being accepted for toy giveaways to be held Dec. 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at 3600 Desire Parkway in New Orleans. The drive is sponsored by Thrive, in partnership with DePaul Community Health Centers, Aetna, Walmart and Propeller. www.thrivenola.org.
WINTER COAT DRIVE: Jefferson Performing Arts Society and Jefferson Parish Schools are sponsoring a drive through Feb. 4. Coats for ages 4 to 14 can be donated at Westwego Cultural Center 177 Sala Ave. in Westwego Jan. 25-Feb. 4, one hour before showtimes. Details at www.jpas.org.
COVENANT HOUSE LUNCHEON: St. Rita Cascia Catholic Church in Harahan and the Knights of Columbus Marquette Council are seeking donations of prepared items for the annual Christmas Day luncheon for teens at Covenant House New Orleans. The luncheon serves approximately 180 residents of the house, which provides safe, stable housing to homeless and many trafficked teens, as well as to their young children. Those interested in donating should call or text Eddie Rafidi at (504) 382-0389 or Kelley Rafidi at (504) 382-7651.
NOON YEAR’S EVE: Louisiana Children’s Museum will host its annual celebration on Dec. 31, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Museum Courtyard in City Park, 15 Henry Thomas Drive in New Orleans. The countdown to noon, which culminates in confetti and bubbles, will include holiday activities, live music, games, dancing and more. Tickets are $14 for LCM members, $24 nonmembers, and $8 per person for up to four people for Museums for All. lcm.org.
BOOKS
"HOW THE GRINCH LOST CHRISTMAS": The Dr. Seuss Christmas fable will be read Dec. 20, 11 a.m., at Barnes & Noble, 3721 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie.
SCHOLARSHIPS
WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: Applications are being accepted through Jan. 8 for the Junior League of New Orleans Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship presented by Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R., a yearlong program supporting female business owners with funding, mentorship and in-kind support. Up to six finalists will meet individually with a growth consulting firm to craft a 10-minute pitch, and a judging panel will select the 2024 Fellow. The 2024 Fellow also will receive a $5,000 cash grant. www.jlno.org.
SPARTAN SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS: Applications are open through Dec. 31 for six $1,000 college scholarships awarded by the Spartan Society, made up of the Knights of Sparta and the Mystical Order of the Phoenix. The scholarships are open to all high school seniors who have taken initiative with service on their high school campus and in the community and who plan to enroll in college in fall 2024. Recipients will be named in January. mootp.org/flames-of-the-future/.
MEETINGS
ST. BERNARD VOLUNTEERS FOR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY: The Christmas meeting will be held Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m., in the Sicilian Room at Rocky & Carlo’s Restaurant, 613 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. Those participating in the gift swap would bring a wrapped gift.