5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 15

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. Temps will be on the rise this morning, but be aware that you could be facing some rain on the ride to work, says the National Weather Service. 

2. Members of the Massachusetts State Police and United States Marine Corps Reserve urged the public on Wednesday to support the Toys for Tots Program through donations of toys or money. "Unfortunately, with today’s tough economic times, the public’s help is needed more than ever. Donations are down across the state and the warehouses are nearly empty. The fear is that donation requests for needy families will go unfilled. Volunteers have been trying to purchase toys with donated money but are falling far behind from the number of toys needed to meet the increasing requests for donations," said a release. The deadline to donate toys is Friday, Dec. 16. Donors are asked to give new, unwrapped toys with non-violent themes, designed for either boys or girls, ages newborn to 14. Toys can be dropped off at any State Police Barracks through Friday, Dec. 16. Additionally, checks may be sent to: MSP-Toys for Tots Coordinator, 124 Acton St., Maynard, MA 01754.

3.  will light their “Tree of Light” at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. Guests will gather in the Leahy Conference Room for some holiday refreshments and the fourth grade chorus at the  will provide entertainment. This year, Karen Moore, Marlborough Hospital’s new president and CEO, will "light" the tree. Ms. Moore began her new position at the end of November. For more information about purchasing an ornament or to learn more about the 11th Annual Tree of Light, contact Ellen Carlucci, director of development at Marlborough Hospital 508-486-5807.

4. The adult Practical Nursing Program located at  is holding their annual Open House today. Learn how it is possible to become a practical nurse through the 10 month program offered. See lab demonstrations and attend an informational presentation. Registration and check-in is from 8:45 to 9 a.m.; the info session with demonstration is from 9 to 10:30 a.m., with a question and answer session following.

5. Solve this Marlborough anagram in the comment field: REYTEAVISETES (Restaurant)

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