Crossroads needs

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Crossroads Men's Shelter is in need of the following items: cereal, lunchmeat, Pine-Sol, bleach wipes and plug-in air fresheners.

Items may be dropped off at between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at Crossroads, 503 Leon Sullivan Way.

Montessori benefit

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Mountaineer Montessori School will present "Munch for Mountaineer Montessori School," a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Temple Israel, 2312 Kanawha Blvd. E.

Proceeds will benefit the school's financial aid and specialty programs. Vegetarian and meat options, featuring high-quality organic ingredients from Sandy Creek Farms, will be available. Dinner can be enjoyed onsite or carryout.

"Munch for Mountaineer Montessori" will also serve as the launch for the school's latest of line of "M" gear, which includes shirts, backpacks, car decals, tote bags and other personalized items featuring the MMS mascot character by Charleston artist Charles Jupiter Hamilton.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children 2-12, free for kids younger than 2. For more information, contact Shelly Winowich at ds...@yahoo.com or 304-541-6531.

Foster care awareness

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- To raise awareness of foster care, the Children's Home Society of West Virginia will host an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 18 at its Davis Child Shelter, 1145 Greenbrier St.

The event will run in conjunction with the shelter's Halloween party, which will end at 9 p.m. "We want the community to come out to see what we are all about and help support those who foster and adopt," said regional director Scott Foley. "We hope to attract new families who are willing to open their hearts and homes to these children."

Trick-or-treating, intramurals, a Jupiter Jump, picnic foods and games will be offered. The event will adjourn with a candlelight vigil honoring those who have adopted children or been foster parents.

Event and volunteer coordinator Mindi Dillon said there are many ways to help children through the Children's Home Society. Volunteers could help in the Davis Child Shelter by tutoring kids or assisting with outings in the community. For more information, contact Dillon at 304-345-3894 or visit the Children's Home Society website, www.childhswv.org.

Doughnuts for soldiers

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- On Nov. 11, Krispy Kreme is honoring veterans and active military personnel with a free coffee and doughnut for Veterans Day at participating Krispy Kreme locations. (No purchase necessary.) A free doughnut and small coffee will be given to any military man or woman in uniform or with valid military identification.

Dementia care training

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Kanawha Valley Senior Services is offering training in the The Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care, which is a person-centered, compassionate care philosophy.

Program manager Connie Hudson has been certified to give training in the Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's care. She may be contacted at chud...@kvss.org or at 304-345-6755.

To learn more about the program, go to www.healthpropress.com/aboutbestfriends.

Quincy Halloween

CABIN CREEK, W.Va. -- The Eastern Kanawha County Health and Recreation Committee will hold its Halloween Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 27 in the parking lot of the Quincy Walmart.

The purpose of event is to bring the community of the Eastern Kanawha County together to encourage the health and wellness needs of the community and to promote the development of a community and health and recreation center for the area.

The extravaganza will feature face painting, art, costume and talent contests and other prizewinning events. There will be wellness displays, vendors raising funds for their community projects and craftsmen selling their goods.

Interested vendors should call 304-595-5991 or 304-595-1482.