5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 20

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. We commend sophomore guidance councilor Ryan McCabe and his family for donating their time and efforts each holiday season to bring coats, hats, scarves, thick socks, and shoes to the homeless in Boston Common. “During December, there are a lot of different services, like soup kitchens and such, at many of the local churches, or by the water fountain, so we set up there and hand out what we’ve all collected," said McCabe. "We usually have several vehicles full of clothing, but it varies year to year. Sometimes we see the same faces, and it’s sad that their circumstances haven’t changed for the better, but it’s nice to talk with them again, catch up on their families, and hear about their life stories."

2. The Marlborough United BNI Chapter recently donated $500 in Gift Cards to the Marlborough Food Pantry. The business networking group which meets every Friday Morning at  in Marlborough, voted to support the Food Pantry as a way of giving back to celebrate their first full year as a networking group and as a resource in helping local businesses grow.

3. Marlborough residents Kathryn and Brian Stevens a gift of $2.5 million to the Massachusetts Special Olympics here in Massachusetts in part to honor their 5-year-old daughter Samantha. Samantha who just started participating in the Young Athletes Program that Special Olympics offers for children ages four to seven, will have her portrait hung in the lobby of the Yawkey Sports Training Center permanently.

4. We had an earlier this week and the video is on Patch for all to enjoy. He offers kids some insight into his arrival time this Saturday night. 

5. Keep those votes coming for your choice in our  and  of the Year solicitations. We plan on profiling the person with the most nominations next week!

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