CAROLING FOR A CAUSE

The Cary Park neighborhood will hold Caroling for a Cause from 4-6 p.m. today, Dec. 18. Older kids will lead younger kids around the neighborhood and help them sing carols for donations to cancer research. Proceeds will benefit the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center. TOYS FOR TOTS

Connolly's Irish Pub and local musicians will hold a benefit event to support Toys for Tots from 6-10 p.m. today, Dec. 18, at 1979 High House Road, Cary. MENORAH OF CANS

Canned food donations to make a menorah during the town of Cary's Jewish Cultural Festival will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 19, at the Cary Arts Center. Donated goods should be standard canned good sizes. All donations go to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. 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 gloves, hats, and new long underwear, T-shirts and socks to outfit a child for the winter. Any size coat will be accepted, however, larger sizes for teens and infant sizes are in particular demand. ANGEL TREE ORNAMENTS

SearStone will be collecting household items for The Carying Place through Dec. 31 at 106 Walker Stone Drive, Cary. Neighbors, friends and future residents can pick an ornament from the Angel Tree listing needed household items. After purchasing the items, participants can return them to SearStone to be delivered to The Carying Place. For details, call 919-466-9366 or visit www. searstone .com . GIFT-WRAPPING FUNDRAISER

Second Chance Pet Adoptions will have a gift-wrapping service from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 24 at Cary Crossroads. All proceeds will go to support the animal rescue group's programs. For details, visit www. second chancenc .org .

Music

CONCERT EVENT

The Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel Winter Concert Series presents King's Tavern Madrigal at 4 p.m. today, Dec. 18, at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary. Tickets are $15. Call 919-460-4968 or visit www. friends of page walker .org .

Special Events

JEWISH CULTURAL FESTIVAL

The town of Cary will hold a Jewish Cultural Festival from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave. There will be traditional Jewish foods, crafts and hands-on activities for children, entertainment, education displays, lighting of a nine-foot menorah and a concert by Dan Nichols. For details, call 919-469-4061 or visit www. town ofcary .org . CHRISTMAS FAMILY MOVIE

Watch Kermit and friends tell their version of Dickens' classic tale in "The Muppet Christmas Carol" from 10:30 to 11:55 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at West Regional Library, 4000 Louis Stephens Drive, Cary. Call 919-463-8500. CHRISTMAS FAMILY MOVIE

A Christmas family movie will be shown 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, and 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at West Regional Library, 4000 Louis Stephens Drive, Cary. Call 919-463-8500. CARY KWANZAA

The Ujima Group will co-sponsor the annual Kwanzaa festival from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave. The theme this year is "The Golden Years Paying Tribute and Honor to Our Elders" featuring the Chuck Davis Dance Company, Dr. Louise Toppin, Dr. Michael Gordon and Kwabena Osei. Cary Kwanzaa is a communal, non-denominational, secular celebration that honors African-American people and their heritage. Call 919-469-4061.

Shopping

PRE-CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Western Wake Farmers' Market will hold a pre-Christmas market from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, in Carpenter Village. There will be seasonal produce, meat, eggs, honey, coffee, breads, sweets, crafts and more. The market will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24.

Religious Events

CHRISTMAS CANTATA

Westwood Baptist Church will hold its annual Christmas Cantata, performed by the church choir, at 6 p.m. today, Dec. 18, at 200 Westhigh St., Cary. CHRISTMAS CANTATA

The choir at Woodhaven Baptist Church will celebrate with a cantata called "Shout the Good News" at 10:30 a.m. today, Dec. 18, at 4000 Kildaire Farm Road, Apex. Composed by Lloyd Larson, the cantata will blend new material with carols. Call 919-362-0127. CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

Apex United Methodist Church will hold a service called "Holy Light: A Candlelight Service of Carols" at 4 and 7 p.m. today, Dec. 18, at 100 S. Hughes St. The chancel choir, handbell choir and children's choir with brass and organ will perform. For information, call 919-362-7807 or visit www. apex umc .org . LIVE NATIVITY

Saint Francis United Methodist Church will hold a live nativity 6-8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 19-20, at 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary. There will be music and refreshments.