Lake Area United Way donates computers to agencies

Lake Area United Way, working in partnership with Net Literacy and the Indiana Association of United Ways, recently distributed 156 updated computers to 13 community organizations. The computers will be used primarily in job training and computer lab settings so clients can increase their literacy skills.

The recipient agencies include Boy Scouts of America, Calumet Council; Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana; Catholic Charities; Crisis Center; Gary Life Education Initiative; Girls Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana; Greater Works; North Township Trustee's Office; The Salvation Army; Sojourner Truth House; Urban League of Northwest Indiana; United Neighborhood Organization; and YWCA of Northwest Indiana.

The donations were made possible by Net Literacy, which refurbishes old computers and redistributes them with the help of middle and high school student volunteers. Net Literacy has provided computer access to more than 150,000 Hoosiers in 20 counties, with chapters in three other Midwest states.

For more information about Net Literacy, visit www.netliteracy.org. To learn more about Lake Area United Way, visit www.lauw.org.

Play crazy bunco

Join the Crown Point Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for an afternoon of food, fun, and craziness at the annual "Crazy Bunco" event at noon Sunday at the Crown Point Fire Station, 126 N. East St.

Tickets are $10 for lunch, desserts, and bunco games. Lunch will be served at noon, with games starting at 1. Purchase tickets from an auxiliary member, at the station from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, or at the door. Call the fire department at (219) 662-3248.

Business After Hours set

Paun Family Chiropractic and Wellness, 2022 45th Street, Highland, is hosting a Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 10. Chamber visitors will be able to tour the facility and learn about available services. Refreshments will be served. Register for the event at www.crossroadschamber.org.

Operation KidSafe

More than 2,000 children are reported missing everyday in the U.S.?

Mike Anderson Cheverolet, Interstate 65 and 61st Avenue, Merrillville, is hosting Operation KidSafe from 1 to 7 p.m. Nov. 11 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12.

Families will receive a free child safety kit, including digital fingerprints and a photograph of each child. For more information, call (866) 962-5487.

Parade and tree lighting

Town of Merrillville is accepting applications and donations for its Annual Parade of Lights and Christmas Tree Lighting.

Those interested in participating in the parade or being a vendor should call (219) 980-5911 for more information.

The parade is completely funded by donations by community members and area businesses. To make a donation, make the check payable to "Town of Merrillville Parade Fund" and mail it to: 7820 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410.

Sue Reed is executive director of Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at (219) 769-8180 or geninq@crossroadschamber.org. Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.