Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 23



1. United Way of Greater Plymouth County has advised that United Way of Western Connecticut, in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank, has created the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, which will be able to provide support services to the families and community affected by the Dec. 14 tragedy. Check donations may be mailed to Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main St., Newtown, CT 06470. Call 800-461-0672 or visit newtown.uwwesternct.org for details.

2. The Plymouth Fire Department and Plymouth Firefighters Local 1768 are participating in the Toys for Tots program for the fifth year. Drop-off locations for unwrapped toys are Station 1 Headquarters, located at 114 Sandwich St., in the front lobby, as well as Station 6 in Cedarville, at 2209 State Road. Questions should be directed to Firefighter Sean Page at seanpage72@gmail.com or the coordinators of the Cape Cod & Islands Toys for Tots program, Timothy and Mary Ellen Harrington, 38 Madison Road, Dennis, MA 02638 (or capecodtoys4tots@comcast.net).

3. The U.S. Postal Service has established a unique post office box to allow the public to send condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., last week. Those who wish to send expressions of comfort should address them to Messages of Condolence for Newtown, P.O. Box 3700, Newtown, CT 06470.

4. Help to provide hope to all the children who were present and affected by the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School Dec. 14 in Newtown, Conn., by placing a new stuffed animal or new blanket in the boxes provided at New Hope Chapel, at 89 Court St., Plymouth and/or the Candy Jar, at 44 Mattakeesett St., Pembroke. These items will bring great comfort to those affected. They will be driven to Newtown to be distributed as soon as possible. Cards and letters of love and support to the families who lost a loved one are also welcome. For more information call Krystiana Watts at 339-933-1598.

5. The Plymouth Fire Department and Plymouth Firefighters Local 1768 are participating in the Toys for Tots program for the fifth year. Drop-off locations for unwrapped toys are Station 1 Headquarters, located at 114 Sandwich St., in the front lobby, as well as Station 6 in Cedarville, at 2209 State Road. Questions should be directed to Firefighter Sean Page at seanpage72@gmail.com or the coordinators of the Cape Cod & Islands Toys for Tots program, Timothy and Mary Ellen Harrington, 38 Madison Road, Dennis, MA 02638 (or capecodtoys4tots@comcast.net).