• CARE (Companion Animal Rescue and Education) will be hosting a puppy adoption from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at Petsmart, Route 9 South, Manalapan, in the Best Buy shopping center. Twenty eight puppies will be available for adoption. Photos can be found at www.carenj.com.
• An Adopt-a-Family program, organized by the Social Action Committee of the Marlboro Jewish Center, is seeking volunteers to provide holiday gifts for families who may not otherwise receive any. The beneficiaries of this program are families who receive support and guidance through local agencies. Many of these families are homeless or in transition. To participate, contact Andrea Wendler at 732-567-0702.
• “The Search for Stimulation: Understanding ADHD” will be presented by Dr. Les Linet and Monmouth County CHADD on Dec. 8 from 6:30-8:45 p.m. at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road, Howell. Linet will explain how attention deficit hyperactivity disorder goes beyond excesses of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness and is a multi-faceted and complex disorder, which affects all aspects of a person’s life. Details: 732-552-8012.
• “Grassland Birds of New Jersey — the Decline, Conservation and Future of their Grassland Habitats” will be presented by MacKenzie Hall of the Conserve Wildlife Federation of New Jersey at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven. The public is welcome; admission is free. Details: 732-USA-BIRD.
• A holiday craft class for children in fourth grade and over will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building, 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold Township. Children will learn basic sewing skills and make a holiday Santa pillow. The $5 registration fee includes all workshop materials and refreshments. Call 732-431-7267 to register.
• A “Make a Difference — Darfur Fundraiser” will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Performing Arts Center at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft. The event will feature presentations plus goods made in Darfur available for purchase. Tickets are $10 at the information desk in the Warner Student Life Center. Details and donations: 732-224-2500.
• The Annual “Cookie Walk” hosted by the Morganville United Methodist Church, 215 Conover Road, Marlboro, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 11. All cookies are homemade and will be sold by the pound. Proceeds will benefit charity. Details: 732- 946-4247.
• A “Home for the Holidays” Concert with Billy Lawlor and Friends will be presented at 2 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road, Howell. Get in the holiday spirit with a festive piano and vocal concert with Billy Lawlor and Friends. Lawlor has been a mainstay at the Jersey Shore music scene since the late 1970s. Audience members are asked to share in the holiday spirit and bring nonperishable food donations for the Howell Food Pantry. This is a family friendly event for all ages. Details: 732-938-2300.
• Monmouth County Audubon Society will host a bird walk at Sandy Hook at 9 a.m. Dec. 11 beginning at the visitor center. The walk will be led by several society members, and is open to members and nonmembers. Participation is free and advance registration is not required. Details: 732- USA-BIRD.
• The Shrewsbury Chorale will perform Handel’s “Messiah” and other holiday selections at 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold, 118 West Main St., Freehold. Under the direction of Anthony LaGruth, the chorale will be performing with the Garden State Philharmonic orchestra and chorus. For tickets and details, call 732-776-5276.
• First Presbyterian Church of Freehold, 118 West Main St., Freehold, will hold its 10th annual Christmas cookie sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11. All cookies are homemade.
• Breakfast With Santa will be held at the following Downtown Freehold locations: Sweet Lew’s on Dec. 11, 732-308- 1887; the American Hotel on Dec. 12 and 19, 732-431-3220; and at Café 360 on Dec. 18, 732-294-4722. Reservations are needed at each restaurant.
• Covers for a Cause, a musical performance of hits from the 1960s through today, will be held from 7-10:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Zebu Forno Café, 2 E. Main St., Freehold. A $10 donation is requested. All money raised will benefit a campaign to establish a year-round camp/retreat for children in YCS (youth consultation service) shelters, therapeutic group homes and foster care. Details: 732-462-0770.
• A Christmas Jazz Vesper, featuring the Dorian Parreott Quintet with guest choir Mount Olivet Baptist Church Gospel Choir, will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Bethel A.M.E. Church, Freehold. A freewill offering will be accepted. Details: 732-780- 3736.
• Santa Claus is coming to the American Legion, 11 Sanford St., Manalapan, at 9 a.m. Dec. 12 and will stay until 11 a.m. Children will get presents and enjoy a pancake breakfast. Details: 732-446-9872.
• A pancake breakfast with Santa, hosted by the Robertsville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 at the Robertsville Firehouse, 94 Route 520, Marlboro. Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children. Bring cameras for photos with Santa. Details: 732-536-3565.
• Knights of Columbus, Freehold Council 1672, will hold its monthly breakfast buffet from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 at its Council Hall, 70 E. Main St., Freehold. The suggested donation for the “all you can eat” buffet is $7 per adult and $5 per child under age 12. Donations are used for various council charities. All are welcome. Details: 917-586-7349.