The community is invited to give the gift of Love by the Pound this holiday season.

Now through Dec. 19, when people make donations of clothing, blankets or non-perishable food items at Rivergate Pharmacy or Rothchild General Dentistry, they will match every pound donated at their respective locations with a $1 donation up to $1,000 each to Volunteers of America, to benefit the Southwest Safehouse and the Community Shelter.

Drop off donations at Rivergate Pharmacy, 575 Rivergate Lane next to Animas Surgical Hospital in Suite 111, or at Rothchild General Dentistry, in Three Springs, 175 Mercado, Suite 115.

For more information, call 382-7780 or 375-7711.

Botanical Society sets docent orientation

Durango Botanical Society will host its annual docent orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at Durango Public Library, 1900 East Third Ave.

The presentation will provide an overview of docents and their work. Applications are being accepted for the 2014 class. Docents lead tours of the Library Demonstration Garden for visitors. They also assist with workshops, programs and events.

People with an interest or experience in gardening, water-wise native plants, education and community outreach are encouraged to apply.

Training and materials are free. Class dates are Feb. 24 and 25 and March 15.

For more information or an application, call Melanie Palmer at 769-3091, visit durangobotanicalsociety.com and click on “volunteer” or email [email protected].

Ignacio library to host story time

The Ignacio Community Library, 470 Goddard Ave., will host a gingerbread house and story time at 4 p.m. Dec. 11.

The library will supply the materials and the stories.

For more information, call 563-9287.

Volunteers sought for shelter program

Winter Haven, a new inclement weather shelter program, will hold mandatory volunteer training from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 14 at the First United Methodist Church, 2917 Aspen Drive.

Volunteers are being sought for the effort designed to keep homeless families off the streets on the coldest nights this winter season.

Training will be conducted by social workers and experienced shelter workers.

Volunteers are needed in a variety of capacities including guest check-in, supervision and assistance, tutoring for children, and cooking meals.

Volunteers must attend training. Donations of cash, personal hygiene packets and snacks also are needed.

The shelters will be housed at two local churches and will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning in January.

For more information, email Linda West at [email protected] or call 375-6484.

Choirs to host Christmas concert

A traditional family Christmas will take place at 3 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

The cost of tickets are $18, $15 and $5. The concert will feature all three Durango Choral Society choirs. The concert will feature audience sing-alongs, fun for the children and an appearance by special guest conductor Bob Seney.

To purchase tickets, call 247-7657 or at the Concert Hall Box Office located inside the Welcome Center at Eighth Street and Main Avenue.

Herald Staff