HILLSBOROUGH: Holiday season calendars shaping up

People urged to ‘adopt a family’ for season’s gifts

   Cold weather is here, and events for the holidays are building on the community calendar.
   Residents are invited to share their joy, cheer and circumstances with others who may not be as fortunate at the holidays.
   The Hillsborough Community Assistance Network, formerly known as the Food Pantry, is looking for people to “adopt a family” enrolled in the township program.
   Sponsor families are asked to provide three gifts per person in the adopted family. To make shopping easier, each adopted family provides a wish list to use as a guide. Sponsors may “adopt” a whole family or just one member to provide gifts and cheer.
   Purchased items are due in the Hillsborough CAN by Tuesday, Dec. 19, in order to be distributed at a holiday party.
   ”We’ve all been affected by the poor economy and see how easily one can fall on hard times,” said Deputy Mayor Doug Tomson. “It is important that we remember those who are less fortunate by helping them out this holiday season. What better way than to adopt a family and help give them a holiday to remember.”
   For information or to sign up, call Cathy Faerber at 908-369-3880.
   Lighting of the community Menorah at the municipal complex will be held Sunday, Dec. 1. The Chabad Center for Jewish Life is sponsoring the event, which will have hot latkes, chocolate gelt and Chanukah activities and crafts.
   The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., also outside near the Garden of Honor.
   The event will feature a petting zoo, hot refreshments and the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus through a trail of trees decorated by community organizations.
   The Township Committee announced it will hold its local government reorganization meeting on Thursday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m.