Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 26

1. Boy Scout Troops 47 of Plymouth will collect your clean Christmas tree and recycle it for a donation of $8. Tree pickup will be New Year’s Day starting at 8 a.m. This service is for Plymouth residents only. Call Simon at 508-746-7349 or send email to trees@troop47plymouth.org.

Boy Scout Troop 64 will pick up and recycle Christmas trees Jan. 5 for $8 per tree. Call or text Jonathan Edson at 508-728-5282 or email imjedson@aol.com and leave your name, address and phone number. 

For a donation of $10, Cub Scout Pack 1620 will collect and recycle your Christmas tree Saturday, Jan. 5, and plant two new trees next spring for every tree collected. To schedule a pickup, call 508-759-3457 or email Scout1620@gmail.com and provide your name and address.

2. The U.S. Postal Service has established a unique post office box to allow the public to send condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., last week. Those who wish to send expressions of comfort should address them to Messages of Condolence for Newtown, P.O. Box 3700, Newtown, CT 06470.

3. Help to provide hope to all the children who were present and affected by the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School Dec. 14 in Newtown, Conn., by placing a new stuffed animal or new blanket in the boxes provided at New Hope Chapel, at 89 Court St., Plymouth and/or the Candy Jar, at 44 Mattakeesett St., Pembroke. These items will bring great comfort to those affected. They will be driven to Newtown to be distributed as soon as possible. Cards and letters of love and support to the families who lost a loved one are also welcome. For more information call Krystiana Watts at 339-933-1598.

4. Volunteers from the Helping Hands for the Plymouth Animal Shelter will be at Cedarville Wine & Spirits, located at 2245 State Road, Route 6A, Plymouth, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, to collect monetary donations to help with veterinary care. They will also accept donated items such as kitty litter, canned and/or bags of dog and cat food, clean blankets and towels, small paper plates and cleaning supplies including laundry and dish detergents.

5. United Way of Greater Plymouth County has advised that United Way of Western Connecticut, in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank, has created the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, which will be able to provide support services to the families and community affected by the Dec. 14 tragedy. Check donations may be mailed to Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main St., Newtown, CT 06470. Call 800-461-0672 or visit newtown.uwwesternct.org for details.