Montgomery

Riley program raises holiday funds

Gov. Bob Riley last week thanked dozens of volunteers and citizens from across the state for another successful Operation Grateful Heart Toy Drive. More than 6,000 toys were collected that will be distributed to children across the state for Christmas. “I am so proud, once again, of the generosity and compassion of Alabamians,” Riley said. This is the fourth year the Hoover Fire Department and the governor’s Operation Grateful Heart program have teamed up to make the holidays happier for children of deployed military parents and children from needy families. The toys were collected at Hoover Fire Departments since early November. Donated toys include everything from board games to bicycles. Additionally, more than $1,800 was raised for the cause from the Rick ‘n Bubba radio show’s annual “Turkey Toss” fundraiser.



Gardendale

NJN deadlines change

The classified deadlines for the Jan. 2 edition will be Dec. 28 at noon. Deadlines for the Dec. 29 issue remain the same. Our offices will be closed on Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day, but will reopen Jan. 2 at 8 a.m.



Gardendale

Tree recycling offered

The Gardendale Public Works Department will again provide Christmas tree recycling to residents. Trees can be dropped off on Dec. 27, 28 and Dec. 31 from 8 to 11 a.m. and on Dec. 29 from 8 a.m. to noon at the public works department’s brush recycling site on Fieldstown Road, next to the soccer fields. Call 631-3394 for more information.