5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 19

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. Make sure you are bundled up tomorrow morning when you head out to work. The National Weather Service is predicting a low of 12 degrees tonight. 

2. Members of the Massachusetts State Police and United States Marine Corps Reserve have moved the deadline for Toys for Tots donations to Monday evening, Dec. 19 due to a lower than expected turnout. "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. 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. Don't forget to vote for your choice in our and of the Year solicitations. We plan on profiling the person with the most nominations!

4. Don't forget to enter our  that could potentially win the $100,000. Some lucky school district in Patchland is going to win, so let's make it Marlborough!

5. Habitat for Humanity is looking to grow their program in the Metrowest area, and are looking for volunteers as well as deserving veterans that need their help. If you can help in either of these areas, contact them here. 

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