Historical group cleans up Salem cemetery

The group Rediscovering History spent more than two hours Nov. 14 cleaning up Miner Cemetery in Salem. Leader Michael Carroll said the organization next will sets its sights on helping the North Stonington Cemetery Commission with its historical cemeteries, in early 2021.

“We are willing to help any location that needs it and do so, free of charge!” he said in an email.

For more information about future cleanups, call (860) 449-3521 or visit the Rediscovering History page on Facebook.

Holiday gift drive benefits DCF families

In partnership with the state Department of Children and Families and Bags of Hope, The Charity Challenge is hosting its third annual Spread the Seeds of Change for Children holiday gift drive. Through Dec. 12, donors can drop off gift cards and new, unwrapped toys in specially marked bins at businesses around eastern Connecticut, including Right Path Organic Cafe in New London and Old Tymes Restaurant in Norwich.

Donations will provide holiday gifts for children and families in DCF care out of the Region 3 offices in Norwich, Willimantic and Middletown. Monetary donations will also be put toward an emergency funds for use throughout the year. A complete list of drop-off locations and an Amazon wishlist for toys to donate is available at thecharitychallenge.net.

Lyme Ambulance helps scout troop earn First Aid badge

Members of the Lyme Ambulance Association recently met Brownies Girl Scout Troop 67974 from Lyme-Old Lyme to teach the girls about first aid, 911 calls and how to act in case of emergencies.

Erik Eisensmith, EMR/driver, and Ariana Eaton, deputy chief, took an ambulance, showed the tools and equipment they carry to help our community and what the different colors of lights mean in emergency vehicles. All of these helped the girls to earn their First Aid badge.

Healthcare foundation awards two local mini-grants

Through its Community Spirit 9/11 Mini-Grant program, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation has awarded $500 grants to Camp Claire in Lyme and Friends of Feral Felines in Niantic. The program was established in memory of Harvard Pilgrim members who died in the Sept. 11 attacks and allows each current employee to award money to a local charity of their choice.

Since its founding in 2002, the program has provided nearly $7 million to organizations throughout New England. For more information, visit harvardpilgrim.org/foundation.

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