Here are three opportunities to give to others or to enjoy Christmas for yourself:

 

• The Richmond Police Department is looking for tax-deductible contributions for their holiday food drive targeted at feeding 800 families in need. Make checks payable to YMCA/Richmond PD Christmas Fund, 263 South 20^th Street, Richmond, CA 94804. Questions, call Duane Chapman at 510/620-6886.

 

• The annual toy and coat drive for students at Verde Elementary School in North Richmond is seeking donations of coats to meet its goal of 100. Many students come to school without proper shoes and coats. The drive, now in its sixth year, is co-sponsored by the office of Supervisor John Gioia, the North Richmond Task force and the Richmond mayor’s Office. As of last Thursday, the day donations were scheduled to be given to students prior to the winter break, only 13 coats had been collected. Donations will continue to be accepted until December 22 at John Gioia’s Office, 11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D, in El Cerrito. For information, call 510/374-3231.

 

• If you like Christmas music and want to do Christmas eve church with a jazz beat, try Saturday, December 24, 7:00 pm: Annual Christmas Eve Jazz Service with the Dan Damon Trio and special musical guests at the First United Methodist Church in Point Richmond, 201 Martina at West Richmond Avenue, Point Richmond, CA 94801 Dan Damon, Pastor - (510) 236-0527 dcdamon@att.net. All Are Welcome! Stop by a local restaurant before or after for a snack or Christmas cheer. Try THE PUB AT BALTIC SQUARE, formerly The Baltic), 135 Park Place, 10) 237-4782. I’ll be at both.