NOTES AROUND TOWN Students at Holy Cross School in Rumson, along with students at some 20 other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton, took part in an event called Make a Difference Day during which students participated in a program called "Deeds for Dollars." Students were asked to do a good deed in exchange for $1. The $500 dollars collected by Holy Cross Students was donated to Project Paul in Keansburg, an organization that has been helping the needy in the Bayshore area for over 27 years. In total, the children of the diocese raised more than$8,000 in donations through their helpful actions. Middletown Newcomers Club will hold ladies' night out Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Fratelli's, Union Square Plaza, Route 35, Middletown. Reservations are required for the BYOB event. For more information, e-mail catherine1205@comcast.net. ***** The New Jersey Blind Citizens ladies auxiliary will hold a Christmas and furniture sale Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Dec. 1 from 8a.m. to 2 p.m. at the N.J. Blind Citizens Thrift Shop, 18 Burlington Ave., Leonardo section of Middletown. For more information, call (732) 291-0878. The New Jersey Blind Citizens ladies auxiliary will hold a Christmas and furniture sale Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Dec. 1 from 8a.m. to 2 p.m. at the N.J. Blind Citizens Thrift Shop, 18 Burlington Ave., Leonardo section of Middletown. For more information, call (732) 291-0878. ***** Poricy Park Conservancy, Oak Hill Road, Middletown, will begin its 20th annual holiday shop of handcrafted items and gifts by conservancy members Nov. 23. Shop hours are Nov. 23-Dec. 2 and Dec. 8 and 9 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Seniors visiting the shop Nov. 27 or 29 will receive a free gift. The event is made possible by efforts of members of Rebecca's Reel Quilters of Poricy Park. Items will include ornaments, quilts, stockings and jewelry, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Poricy Park. For more information, call (732) 842-5966 or visit www.PoricyPark.org. ***** Calvary United Methodist Church, Third and Osborn Streets, Keyport, will hold its holiday bazaar Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, and lunch is available . For more information, call the church at (732) 264-1492. ***** Temple Shalom, 5 Ayrmont Road, Aberdeen, will accept donations of gently used or new coats during December for Bridges, an outreach that benefits the homeless in New York. The temple's brotherhood will hold an art and sports memorabilia auction Dec. 1, with previews at 7 p.m., and the auction at 8 p.m. Cost is $15, or $10 per person in advance, and food and drinks will be served. Proceeds benefit the brotherhood. "Temple Tots" for children age 3-5, a class about Hanukkah and traditions will be held Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m. and will feature storytelling sing-alongs, crafts and snacks. For more information, call the temple at (732) 566-2621 or visit www.templeshalomnj.org. ***** Figurelli Chiropractic, 590 Route 35 south, Middletown, will offer photos with Santa to benefit the American Red Cross Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Photos are $5 each, with all proceeds benefiting the Red Cross. There will also be refreshments, prizes, mini massages and a gift for children from Santa. For reservations, call (732) 275- 6195. Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, 32 Laurel Ave., Keansburg, will hold its annual holiday bazaar Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featured will be crafts, baked goods, a 50/50 raffle and flea market, with proceeds benefiting the residents' activity program. Donations of baked goods and collectibles are welcome, and vendor spaces are available for $15. For more information, Angelika at (732) 787-8100, ext. 121. ***** A free pancake breakfast with Santa for area children will be held Dec. 9 from 8:30-11 a.m. at Middletown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2179, 1 Veterans Lane, Port Monmouth section of Middletown. Parents are asked to write the Post at VFW Post 2179, Attn.: Quartermaster, 1 Veterans Lane, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758, to confirm number of children attending.