Editor’s Note: Events listed in the calendar must be submitted in writing. Calendar items are not accepted over the telephone. Information may be e-mailed to mevans@thestokesnews.com or faxed to 591-4379. The deadline is 3 p.m. Monday prior to publication. The calendar is reserved for non-profit organizations, school and community events. Ongoing calendar items will publish the last week of each month if space allows. The complete calendar, including ongoing events, may be accessed on the website. Because of space limitations, some announcements only appear the week of the event. If you have a legal requirement to publish an announcement, you must purchase advertising space.

Thurs., Dec. 20-Fri., Dec. 21

Food drive — Between Nov. 26 and Dec. 21 people can help the Tax Assessment/Collections and Register of Deeds Offices collect a thousand pounds of food by donating cans or non-perishable items at any of these three offices. All food will be donated to the East Stokes and King Outreach Ministry.

Thurs., Dec. 27

Blood drive — A blood drive honoring Jobie Fie will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Dec. 27 from 1:30 to 7 p.m. To schedule an appointment, contact Peggy R. at 671-0151 or Peggy L. at 416-2786. You can also make an appointment by emailing trinityblooddrive@yahoo.com. Photo ID required.

Tues., Jan. 1, 2013

Hike — Five Overlooks Challenge — First Day Hike, will be held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1. The start location is Hanging Rock Trail Head. Join a park ranger celebrating the New Year by hiking to Hanging Rock State Park’s five main scenic mountain overlooks. This 10-mile trail hike will go to Hanging Rock, Wolf Rock, House Rock, Cook Wall, and Moore Knob. This hike will include some strenuous climbs. Breaks will be taken at the overlooks. There will be no facilities along the way. Hikers should come prepared for the winter weather; carry water, lunch, snacks, and personal supplies. Dogs must be leashed. No pre-registration necessary. Hike will be cancelled in the case of unsafe winter road conditions.