5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 8

Here is a list of 5 things you need to know today:

1. Sunny and Cool: According to the National Weather Service, today will be sunny with a high near 47 degrees. It will be a bit breezy with a west wind between 13 and 20 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 32 degrees and a west wind between 5 and 8 mph becoming calm.

2. Toy Drive: The Rumson (DPW) is volunteering to collect toys for children in need throughout the area. They are hosting their 11^th annual toy drive on Friday, December 9 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All of the toys will be going to Family and Children’s Services of Monmouth County and the Salvation Army in Red Bank. Click for more details.

3. Deck the Halls: Patch.com is launching a nationwide contest to find the best dressed home in its Patch communities, and the winner’s school district will receive $100,000, no strings attached. Beginning on Dec. 8 and continuing through Dec. 26, you can nominate your home by uploading a photo to the contest entry form on the site. During that same time period you and your neighbors will also be able to vote for your favorite festive home. The winning entry will be forwarded to a national Patch judge that will select 24 finalists. Each finalist will receive $500 that they can apply to their December electric bill. From Dec. 30 through Jan. 8 you will be able to vote for the Best Decked House in all of Patch. The grand prize winner’s school district will receive a $100,000 check from Patch. Click for more details and to enter.

4. NJ Disected: Joe Steinfeld, a 22-year old Rutgers graduate, claims authorship of the edgy, tongue-in-cheek map, which subdivides the Garden State into social, financial and ethnic realms. In less than 24 hours it has gone viral. Click to check it out.

5. Holiday Happenings: Know of holiday happenings and want to spread the word? Tell all your friends and neighbors about what is going on by creating an event listing on Patch. Click  for direction on how to easily upload a description and photos about your next event.