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Poway Gives Back: Christmas Carols, Cell Phones & Toys for Tots

Christmas in the Park returns this weekend and a special cell phone drive can help soldiers connect with their families.

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS COME TO LIFE

Christmas In The Park returns to Old Poway Park this Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with all of the usual festive Dickens-themed events and special performances. They'll light the Christmas Tree shortly after 5, you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing carols and go on an old-fashioned hayride. The event is free. The park is at 14134 Midland Rd.

CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS

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Turn your old, unwanted cell phones into pre-paid phone cards to be used by members of the military serving abroad. The Poway Kiwanis Club is leading this effort locally so our soldiers can connect with their families during the holidays. Each card provides 120 minutes of talk time. Launched earlier this year, the program has already produced over 600 phones. Drop-off boxes are at The Hamburger Factory, 14122 Midland Rd., as well as Jimmy's Brick Pit BBQ, 14034 Poway Rd., at Twin Peaks Middle School and at Painted Rock Elementary.

HOLIDAY MIXER

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Network with your friends and help Toys For Tots at the Poway Chamber of Commerce mixer this Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Poway Brigantine Restaurant, 13445 Poway Rd. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots. The cost for Chamber members is $5 and for non-members $15. RSVP at 858-748-0016.

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT CELEBRATES 23 YEARS

Get in the holiday spirit while making a life-changing impact on children in need at Rady Children's Hospital as the North County tradition Carols By Candlelight returns for the 23rd year to the California Center for the Performing Arts in Escondido this Friday and Saturday nights. Both shows start at 8 p.m.

This year's lineup includes legendary music stars B.J.Thomas and Collin Raye, as well as local favorites Eve Selis, Mary James, Candese Marchese and, of course, show founder and director, recently-elected Poway City Councilman and Grammy-award-winner Steve Vaus (a.k.a Buck Howdy).

Tickets range from $25 to $60 and are on sale now on the Carol's website or you can call the Center's box office at 800-988-4253. Net proceeds will go to Rady Children's Hospital. If you are unable to attend yourself, sponsor active duty military and their families at $25 per ticket. They'll be delivered in your name via Wounded Warriors.

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