1. MLK Celebration Auditions -- Individuals interested in becoming part of the entertainment for the 25th anniversary of the official Cobb Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebration may audition for parts on Tuesday, Dec. 28, Thursday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 8. The auditions take place at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Parkway. 

Audition slots are limited, and those interested must RSVP by calling 770-528-8490. The Jan. 17 celebration will be held by the Cobb NAACP and Cobb County Government. For more information call 770-425-5757.

2. Mt. Bethel UMC Housing the Homeless -- Mount Bethel United Methodist Church members and other volunteers will be heading into downtown Atlanta on Tuesday, Dec. 28 to pick up homeless guests. Donations also are requested for men's thermal underwear, men's shoes, bath towels and toiletries. 

3. Red Cross Blood Drive -- Volunteer donors are needed on Tuesday, Dec. 28, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Catherine's Episcopal Church, 571 Holt Road. 

4. New Year's Eve Party for Students -- Eastside Baptist Church is inviting youths for a get-together from 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, to 1 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, 2450 Lower Roswell Road. Contact Nancy Andretta at 770-971-2323, ext. 136.

5. Christmas Tree Recycling -- Fullers Park, Sewell Park and Harrison Park are East Cobb drop-off spots, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Jan. 8 for Keep Cobb Beautiful's "Bring One for the Chipper" program. Seedlings will be given away on Jan. 8, while supplies last. For information call 770-528-1135.