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 Saturday, Dec. 24, at Cary Crossroads. All proceeds will go to support the animal rescue group's programs. For details, visit www.secondchancenc.org .

Special Events

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. For information, call 919-463-8500. CHRISTMAS FAMILY MOVIE

A Christmas family movie will be shown at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, and at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at West Regional Library, 4000 Louis Stephens Drive, Cary. For information, 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, nondenominational, secular celebration that honors African-American people and their heritage. For details, call 919-469-4061.

Shopping

PRE-CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Western Wake Farmers' Market will hold a pre-Christmas market from 3 to 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.