Portage Township families will have a happier Thanksgiving and Christmas thanks to Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy and the Portage Township Schools, according to a release.

Clancy received a donation recently from Melissa Deavers, director of communications and community engagement for Portage Township Schools, totaling $2,053. The funds will be used to purchase turkeys for Portage Township families this holiday season.

With a goal to raise $7,200 this holiday season, Clancy can purchase 300 turkeys; 150 for Thanksgiving and another 150 for the Christmas holiday season, the release said. The turkeys will be distributed through the Portage Township Food Pantry.

To learn more, visit www.portagetrustee.org.

Holiday swap, gift event planned

The Plastic Reduction Alliance of NWI (PRA) and Alley Kat’s Curiosity Shoppe are partnering for a free swap event from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Alley Kat’s Curiosity Shoppe, 1515 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso. The event will promote sustainability and reduce single-use plastics, the release said.

Attendees are asked to bring gently used ornaments, tabletop décor (no larger than a microwave), and unfinished or unused rolls of wrapping paper, gift bags and wrapping accessories, such as bows and gift tags, to swap with others at the event.

Leftover wrapping will go to Hilltop Pantry, while leftover ornaments and tabletop décor go into Alley Kat’s December Donation Charity Collection. Attendees are asked to sign up online at portercountyrecycling.org/plastic-waste-alliance-of-nw-indiana/. First 20 people to sign up get a free Plastic Alliance reusable bag.

A Helper’s Heart opens Highland location

A Helper’s Heart Home Care, a non-medical home care agency, recently opened its new headquarters at 2839 45th St., Highland, according to a release.

Based in Hammond since 2020, the new office will serve as the agency’s central office and host various community support meetings and workshops, including Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, grief support workshops and additional support services, the release said.

A Helper’s Heart Home Care offers non-medical services, such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, bathing, grooming and other daily support for clients, the release said.

For information, call 219-852-8600 or visit www.ahelpershearthomecare.com.

Franciscan Michigan City giving suicide prevention course

Franciscan Health Michigan City is presenting a free suicide prevention course in December, according to a release.

The QPR Suicide Prevention Course aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training, the release said.

The course is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Michigan City Police Department, 1201 E. Michigan Blvd. in the Community Room. The course is free, but registration is required. To register and for more information, contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at Nila.Williams@FranciscanAlliance.org or 219-283-9649.

Health partnership announced in Valparaiso

Northwest Health recently announced a partnership with inHealth Integrated Care to ensure emergency services in Porter County, a release said.

Northwest Health holds the county contract for EMS services, responding to 911 calls from four stations within Porter County, the release said. Beginning at the end of November, inHealth will assume coverage of one of the county’s EMS stations and work alongside the Northwest Health team, the release said.

New board members join Valpo Parks Foundation

The Valpo Parks Foundation recently announced the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors, effective in January, according to a release.

New members include: Jodi Jackson, of Valparaiso, community volunteer and formerly of the YMCA; Melanie Steider, director, Enterprise Processes and Projects at Valparaiso University; Gabrielle Pazour, marketing director of Trailyard; and Jason Monroe, owner/creative director of Madewell Media.

The Valpo Parks Foundation often serves as a catalyst to bring projects to fruition, capturing the spirit and character of residents working side-by-side to make our community even Stronger, the release said.

For more information, contact Tracy Betustak, Valpo Parks Foundation, at tbetustak@valpo.us.

Franciscan’s Fresh Start Market opening in Michigan City

Franciscan Health’s latest Fresh Start Market is slated to open in Michigan City in December as part of the healthcare ministry’s ongoing efforts to fight food insecurity, according to a release.

Beginning Dec. 4, the food pantry will be open to Franciscan Health patients from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month and to the general public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at 301 W. Homer St. A valid photo ID is required for entry.

Franciscan’s Food Insecurity Program originated in 2021 in Lake County, when the Franciscan Health Foundation of Northern Indiana partnered with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, the release said. For more information, call 219-221-4153.

Post-Tribune staff