Holiday food, toy drives under way in Batavia

Local groups are gearing up to aid families in need this holiday season.

DJM Travel in Batavia is conducting a Thanksgiving food drive to benefit the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. The business will match any food donations and provide $25 gift certificates for travel for every 20 food items donated.

Suggested items include non-perishables, such as canned meats, canned fruit, canned vegetables, soups and cereals.

Donations will be collected until noon Saturday.

DJM Travel is at 1605 W. Wilson St., Suite 115.

Meanwhile, ACCESS Toys has begun its 24th annual toy drive for needy families at Christmas. Volunteers set up a Christmas Toy Store where parents can choose a toy for their child.

Each child will also get stocking stuffers, mittens and a scarf or hat.

Donations of toys, books, games or puzzles can be dropped off at either fire station, 800 E. Wilson St. or 1400 W. Wilson St., until Dec. 6. Checks can be dropped off at the Batavia Police Department, 100 N. Island Ave.

Anyone who knows of a Batavia family who may be in need of help can call Mildred Bailey at (630) 879-3974, Ruth Johnsen at (630) 879-6270 or Jean Carpenter at (630) 761-3536.

New stations

The two new fire stations in Batavia will have an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The two stations -- at 800 E. Wilson St. and 1400 W. Wilson St. -- were rebuilt in the last year, an $11.2 million project.

Each station has doubled in size and added training facilities, conference rooms, more office space and bigger living quarters.

Firefighters will offer tours and refreshments will be served.

Library award

The Batavia Public Library is soliciting nominations for its Library Leader award.

The award honors someone who has made outstanding contributions to the library, whether through promotion, community partnerships or a commitment to freedom of speech.

Nomination forms and lists of criteria are available at the library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., or by calling Michele Martzel at (630) 879-2559.

Nominations are due Dec. 1.

Artists reception

The work of 23 local artists will be displayed this weekend at the Batavia Library.

The library will host a reception for the artists from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at the library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. The works will be on display all weekend.