COATS FOR THE CHILDREN

WRAL-TV will be collecting winter clothing, toys and money for Salvation Army families in need through Dec. 31 at participating Jiffy Lube and First Citizens Bank locations in Apex, Cary and Fuquay-Varina. Donate clean coats and other winter clothing items including gently-used gloves, hats, and new long underwear, T-shirts and socks to completely outfit a child for the winter months. Any size coat will be accepted, however, larger sizes for teens and infant sizes are in particular demand.

Dec. 1

HOLIDAY SHOPPE

Cary Academy will hold its annual Holiday Shoppe from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, and Friday, Dec. 2, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in the sports and education annex at 1500 N. Harrison Ave. There will be jewelry, home accessories, hostess items, children's items, holiday ornaments, apparel, gift cards, food and handmade crafts. Proceeds will benefit community outreach and need-based scholarships. For details, call 919-228-4653 or visit www.caryacademy.org/holidayshoppe . FUQUAY-VARINA TREE LIGHTING

The town of Fuquay-Varina will hold its tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. at the municipal parking lot at South Main and East Vance streets. The Gerald Parker Jazz band will play a free concert at 6 p.m. The tree lighting will be at 7 p.m., followed by local school performances. SLEIGH RIDES

The Fuquay-Varina Revitalization Association will provide free horse-drawn sleigh rides from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning at Ashworth's BP Station. The sleigh ride will be first come, first serve, unless you have a "fast pass friend ticket." Children age 2 and younger must sit on an adult's lap. The last ride of the evening will be at 7:55 p.m. For details, visit www.fuquay-varinadowntown.com . IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

The Cary Players, will present "It's a Wonderful Life" at 7:30 p.m. at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors ages 55 and older and $16 for students. Visit www.caryplayers.org.

Dec. 2

CHRISTMAS ON SALEM STREET

The Apex Downtown Business Association will hold Christmas on Salem Street from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Apex. There will be carriage and sleigh rides, Christmas carols and the lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. Businesses will be open and have refreshments. MORRISVILLE TREE LIGHTING

The town of Morrisville will hold its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. There will be entertainment, crafts for the children and refreshments.

Dec. 3

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

The Apex Rotary Club will hold its winter pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Apex fire station on Salem Street.