DONALD HOSTS TREE LIGHTING: The 31st annual Christmas in the Village festivities will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday near the Ramsey Pavilion off Ohio Avenue.
The event will include the village tree lighting, followed by the arrival of Santa Claus. There will be free hayrides and caroling.
Children's activities include visit with Santa Claus, making reindeer food, coloring, crafts and face painting. Refreshments will be from 7 to 9 p.m. near the bonfire.
Cookie donations may be dropped off at the municipal building on Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ramsey Pavilion. For information, call 330-530-5472.
NILES HOLDS TREE LIGHTING: The annual Niles annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Niles Lions Club, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Niles Fire Department, 15 E. State St.
Santa Claus will arrive at the fire station by fire truck at 7 p.m. The Niles McKinley High School band and choir will perform traditional holiday music. Refreshments will be served.
BRISTOL HOLDS TREE LIGHTING: Bristol Township will hold its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Sunday at the township center, state routes 45 and 88. There will be caroling and refreshments.
Donations are needed to help offset costs for the lighting.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE OFFERED: The Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership is available to help residents with heat, natural gas or bulk fuel.
Through March 31, programs are in place to help individuals and families who currently do not have any electric or gas service or have been notified there will be a disconnection of these services. Also, individuals and families who use bulk fuel are eligible.
Appointments are scheduled between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Applications are available throughout the community, including MYCAP. Also, they are available by calling toll-free 800-282-0880 or 330-747-7921, visiting the office at 1325 Fifth Ave., Youngstown, or going to the website at www.my-cap.org.
AUTHOR TO SPEAK: Janet DeCeasare, who has written the book "Ticked Off," will speak at 11 a.m. Monday at the Champion SCOPE Center, 4451 Mahoning Ave. S.W.
HELPING PETS AT HOLIDAYS: Operation Santa Paws is back to bringing happiness, joy, and chew toys to animals.
Operation Santa Paws is a drive by Shepherd of the Valley to collect needed items for the dogs, cats, and other animals cared for by Alchemy Acres Animal Sanctuary in Salem, Animal Charity of Youngstown and the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County in Warren.
Through Dec. 17, items can be dropped off at all Shepherd of the Valley locations: 7148 West Blvd., Boardman; 4100 North River Road N.E., Howland; Niles, 1500 McKinley Ave.; 301 W. Western Reserve Road, Poland; At Home With Shepherd Home Health / Corporate Offices, 5525 Silica Road, Austintown; and Copper Zone Tanning at the Southern Park Mall and Pet Supplies Plus in Boardman. Call 330-726-7110, Ext. 0.