IN Brief

Kases for Kids
The Crescenta Cañada Lions Club is collecting suitcases and backpacks in good condition that will be given to children placed in foster care. Toiletry items, stuffed animals and blankets are also gladly accepted.

Drop off July 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Ralphs parking lot at Foothill Boulevard and Raymond Avenue.

NCL Readies for Blood Drive
National Charity League is preparing for its largest community event of the summer, the annual “From the Heart” American Red Cross blood drive. Now in its eighth year, the blood drive will be held at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, 1812 Verdugo Blvd., Glendale on Sunday, July 13, from 9 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.

The Red Cross will be onsite to collect whole blood and double red cell donations. The event will feature a raffle and also offer donors an enormous variety of cookies, homebaked by the chapter’s Ticktockers.

Last July, NCL and community members donated 71 units of blood, again earning NCL Glendale the distinction of holding the most successful blood drive in Southern California on “Save a Life Sunday,” the name coined for the weekend closest to the 4th of July holiday when blood supplies throughout the nation are at an all-time low.

Community members are encouraged to make an appointment to donate by emailing wrightsue@sbcglobal.net or walking in to USC Verdugo Hills Hospital on July 13.

Rosemont Preserve Restoration Day
The community is invited to the Rosemont Preserve on Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. to help protect the natural habitat by removing invasive plants and checking on the preserve’s newest residents – the trees recently planted!

Wear sturdy shoes, comfortable clothes and garden gloves (long pants and sleeves are recommended). Those who have shovels, spades, loppers or clippers are asked to bring them along. Other tools will be available.

The Rosemont Preserve is located at the north end of Rosemont Avenue, just past the chain link fence. As street parking is limited, please park at Two Strike Park, 5107 Rosemont Ave. in La Crescenta.

This event is free to the public and suitable for all ages, no reservations required. Rain cancels event. Sorry, no pets.

For further information, contact the Friends of the Rosemont Preserve at RosemontFriends@gmail.com.