New 'Giving Back' Open Blog, 15 Minutes Toward a Drug-Free Kid

Here's what you need to know for Wednesday.

• We were so stoked with Giving Tuesday, we'd like to see the altruistic urge continue—and we bet you would agree. Since this is a community site and the best ideas come from the grassroots, Patch presents Giving Back in Jefferson, an open blog where you can post information about your fundraisers, food drives, callouts for volunteers. It's a place where you can post your thoughts about what it's like to volunteer or recount exciting or poignant stories of doing good. Check it out at http://jefferson.patch.com/blogs/giving-back-in-jefferson.
• The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's "15-Minute Child Break" program comes to Camp Jefferson Wednesday morning. The Jefferson Township Municipal Alliance Committee and Morris County Prevention is Key, Community Trials Intervention program will host the free multimedia presentation for adults Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. that focuses on how to talk to children about drugs and fighting substance abuse.  The event takes place at 81 Weldon Road in Lake Hopatcong. Pre-register by emailing Heidi Brotzman at hbrotzman@mcpik.org. For more info, visit www.drugfreenj.org.
• If the kids are driving you nuts as we get closer to Christmas, try this: Don't cry, pout, etc., because Santa Claus is coming to town. And, no, that's not just a song, he really is coming to Jefferson:  Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph will visit the Community Lodge at Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Road, Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-3 p.m. to hand out candy canes, gifts for the good boys and girls and Christmas wishes. Parents are encouraged to bring along a camera or smartphone to capture a memorable snapshot or video. It's part of Christmas in the Village, an all-day holiday arts event coming Saturday to historic Milton Village.