Community Corner

Guns and Hoses Blood Drive Pits 'Bravest' against 'Finest'

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An Oak Forest favorite will return Dec. 14—and organizers are hoping to see the community support come pouring in. It's almost time for Oak Forest Rotary’s Guns and Hoses Blood Drive.

The drive pits the Oak Forest Firefighters and Oak Forest Police officers in a contest to see who residents support more by collecting blood donations. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Oak Forest Fire Department #1.

The winning side—either Oak Forest's bravest or finest—will take home a coveted trophy and bragging rights for another year.

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The blood drive will cap off a busy day in Oak Forest, as the city and its residents will also have the Oak Forest Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony to look forward to at 11 a.m. on Central Avenue and the Oak Forest City Hall.

Even Santa will donate a pint. 

Find out what's happening in Oak Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Those wishing to donate blood can contact Rotarian Jim Watson at 708-687-7026 to schedule an appointment, although walk-ins are also welcome.  

Also this week, don't miss: 

MONDAY, DEC. 9
Bremen Youth Services Collecting Toys, Clothes for Tornado Victims:  the group will be collecting donations of gift cards, new toys (unwrapped), and clothing to fit infants, through teenagers. 

Donations can be dropped off at the Bremen Youth Services Bremen Youth Services building, 15350 Oak Park Ave., on the following dates and times:
  • Dec. 9 through 11, 3 to 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
THURSDAY, DEC. 12
Guitar Christmas with Bill the Band: Rockin' Christmas songs with Bill the Band —a one-man band. Acorn Public Library, 7 p.m. 

SATURDAY, DEC. 14
City's Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade: Join Mayor Hank Kuspa and Santa Claus as they ring in the holiday season at the annual tree lighting ceremony and parade.  The parade kicks off at Oak Forest High School at 11 a.m. and will proceed down Central Avenue to City Hall where the tree lighting ceremony will take place. Also, please consider donating a new, unwrapped gift to the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, which provides comfort and distraction by giving away donated toys to children undergoing cancer treatments.  A donation box will be located in the fire station. 

Winter Solstice Craft Beer Festival:  Over 80 Beers to choose from, more than 30 breweries represented at this indoor event at Blarney Stone Pub. Tickets $25 in advance, $35 at door. Includes 6-oz. beer sampling glass, 10 beer sample and 2 food sample. Additional beer sample tickets available for $1. See what beers will be offered. 3 to 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15
Boy Scout Troop 610 First Pancake Extravaganza: Come and begin your Sunday with a hot stack of pancakes at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Included are scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, tea, milk, juice and a topping bar.  The cost is adults $8, seniors and scouts in uniform $7, children 3 and under eat free. Carryout available. Get more info. 


ONGOING

Make Christmas Magical for Children in Need: The community is invited to help spread holiday cheer to those in need by participating in the "Toys for Tots" drive. Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys for local children in need. All donated toys should be new in sealed boxes and dropped off unwrapped by Friday, Dec. 13.

Sign Up Now for Oak Forest Relay for Life 2014
Residents ready to hit the track for a good cause might have to wait to walk—but they can sign up now. Registration is now open for Oak Forest's Relay for Life 2014, to be held Friday, June 20. 

Register for the Oak Forest Fleadh 5K:
 The Fleadh is coming and registration for the 5K, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m. March 8, is already underway. The cost is $30 for pre-registration and $35 for registration the day of the race.

Check out Oak Forest Patch's Events Calendar to find out what else is going on and to add your own activities to the mix.


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