NOTES AROUND TOWN

Geri Schleich, New Jersey Pajama Program Students at Ranney Middle School, Tinton Falls, spent the final two weeks of the school year collecting 60 pairs of new pajamas and more than 80 children's books to benefit the Pajama Program Reading Room in Poricy Park in Middletown. Chapter president, was on hand May 23 to accept the donation. The Pajama Program is an international program founded in 2001 that provides new pajamas and books to needy children, many who are waiting and hoping to be adopted.

The Red Bank Elks Lodge No. 233 recently donated $2,000 in AT&T 550 phone cards to the Marines of the 6th Motor Transport Battalion, currently serving their country overseas in Iraq.

Throughout the past year the Red Bank Elks have donated more than $6,000 in phone cards to the overseas Marines.

Since the program's inception, the Red Bank Elks have raised about $100,000 in total for injured Marines and those in need. The funds were raised through various fundraisers over the years.

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Dunkin' Donuts, Tinton Falls, has donated $10,000 from the Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation to the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, Tinton Falls. The donation will aid in the training and certification of more than 250 New Jersey volunteers at the Disaster Training Institute.

The check was presented to Red Cross Disaster Training Institute volunteers Ellen Korpar and Antonia Silver, Ocean Township, who continue to serve New Jersey, while the following local volunteers are offering aid to residents of Midwest states after severe flooding and tornadoes hit the region: William "Bud" Colfer, Howell, deployed to assist in the Wisconsin floods; Linda Toop, Lincroft section of Middletown, deployed to Wisconsin, and processing client casework; and Mary O'Donnell, Jackson, in Wisconsin.

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Chuck Drawbaugh will present "How to Send Your Child to College Without Going Broke" 7 p.m. July 10 at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury. Topics include eligibility for aid, picking colleges that give the most money, and how test scores translate into financial aid dollars. Admission is free, but seating is limited. To register, call 732-224-1496.

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Glad Tidings Church, 4-12 Asbury Ave., Tinton Falls, will hold Vacation Bible School for children in grades K-6 from 6:30-9 p.m. July 21-25. The school will feature songs, games, crafts, Bible activities, a weekly prize and snacks. Admission is free. For more information, call 732-922-9189.

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