PLAYERS offers golf equipment donation program
THE PLAYERS Championship has introduced a new grant program open to Northeast Florida nonprofit organizations. Through this program, THE PLAYERS seeks to expand access and equity to golf programs in under-resourced communities.
The program awards new equipment and resources to local golf programs based on merit and need.
“As a former instructor, I know firsthand how important it is to have proper equipment to successfully compete in this sport,” said Lee Smith, executive director of THE PLAYERS Championship. “To have the opportunity to provide this resource is very exciting — not only for our population here in Northeast Florida, but for the sport of golf.”
To be eligible for the grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
The championship is accepting applications for the equipment grant program; to access the complete guidelines and application, go to https://www.theplayers.com/equipment
Foundation plans Thanksgiving drive, sorting and delivery
The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation is hosting its annual Thanksgiving drive and sorting events, supported by community partners. The foundation is dedicated to empowering youth in primarily the 32209 ZIP code, where many residents live near or under the poverty line and are in Health Zone 1. The Thanksgiving drive supports families in need for the Thanksgiving holiday with dinners for more than 100 families.
The sorting event will be 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21 at MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation Youth Center, 1096 W. 6th St., Jacksonville. Deliveries will be made 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 22.
Real estate firm collects toys for annual program
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is collecting donations for Toys for Tots, a program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
The company’s Ponte Vedra Beach/Nocatee branch office is collecting new, unwrapped toys until Dec. 11. The real estate firm is asking for unwrapped toys for children of all ages, newborn to teens. Gifts will be distributed to children whose families cannot afford to provide holiday gifts.
Community residents are welcome to bring donations to the company’s office in the Sawgrass Village Shopping Center, 333 Village Main St., Suite 670, Ponte Vedra Beach. Donations may be purchased online from the company’s Amazon Wish List (Berkshire Hathaway HSFNR Toys for Tots) and shipped directly to the office.
“We are proud to support Toys for Tots, and we appreciate our amazing community members who give so generously to this wonderful cause,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty President Ann King. “Our team is thrilled to help Toys for Tots deliver some extra joy this holiday season.”
Program offers bereaved Hope for the Holidays
Community Hospice & Palliative Care is offering Hope for the Holidays, a workshop will help attendees learn ways to cope with grief during the holiday season, determine what is right for them and their families and refocus energy on positive activities that honor and remember their loved ones.
Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of hope for the upcoming season.
The program will be offered from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 18, at Anne and Donald McGraw Center for Caring of Community Hospice, 4715 Worrall Way Jacksonville.
Hope for the Holidays is open to the public. There is no charge to attend, but attendees should RSVP by calling 904-407-7001/toll free 800-274-6614 Ext. 7001.
Holiday Craft Fair planned
The Ponte Vedra High School Marching Band is planning a Holiday Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at 1110 A1A North, Mickler Landing Circle. Local crafters, baked goods and raffles are planned for “The Most Wonderful Event of the Season.” For information, email debbie@balloonprinting.com.
Explore the beach at GTM Research Reserve
Join volunteers at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM) for a beach exploration 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Collect seashells, search for shark teeth and learn about coastal wildlife. Meet at GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended. The event is free but online registration is required. To register, go to gtmnerr.org/visit/events.
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday inside the Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Road. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, tea, seasonal treats, soap, jewelry, plants and more.
Extras sought for local movie
An independent film being made in Jacksonville, Green Cove Springs and Middleburg is in need of extras to appear in some scenes. The unpaid extras in “Rights of a Father” will appear in a courtroom audience and as protestors.
“Rights of a Father” tells the story of a couple faced with an unplanned pregnancy and whether the father has rights concerning the unborn baby.
Extras will be needed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following days and at these places: Nov. 19 at the historic courthouse, 915 Walnut St., Green Cove Springs; Dec. 2 and 9 at the current courthouse, 825 N. Orange Ave., Green Cove Springs.
Interested people should contact director Junior Ashwood at 757-870-9226 or by email at ashwoodjj@gmail.com for an interview.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
