5 Things You Need to Know Today, Dec. 15

1. Make your personal Judaica more meaningful by creating it yourself! Join the Center for Jewish Life and Learning for an art workshop at the Jewish Community Center, 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15. Participants will explore one of the major themes of Hanukkah: lights. Inspired by the series at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Details: APJCC Center for Jewish Life and Learning, 408-357-7411 or cjll@svjcc.org.

2. The Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos has its meeting today at noon at the Los Gatos Lodge, 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road. The public is invited to attend. Lunch is $15 per person. Details: 408-395-4051, or MarLyn.Rasmussen@verizon.net.

3. Do you have a favorite pet picture you want to share? Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman, a Los Gatos resident and the former mayor of our town, is sponsoring a winter photo contest about your pets. Send him your favorite image of your pet. Three winning 8x10 photos will be framed and displayed in Wasserman's office. Deadline: Jan. 1, 2012. Complete Photo Contest rules are on Wasserman's website. Don’t have a pet? Consider pet adoption from the County Animal Shelter.

4. Plan to get up early tomorrow so you won't be late! Join Los Gatos resident Brad Armstrong, co-owner of the Willow Glen Athletic Performance store, for a free hilly trail run at 6:30 a.m. every Friday. The group meets at the Athletic Club next to Los Gatos High School rain, hail or shine. Not for beginners. Details: 408-354-7365 or 408-297-0100.

5. West Valley Community Services gift drive, to help low-income families in Los Gatos, Cupertino, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and West San Jose, continues until Friday, Dec. 16. New and unwrapped items for children ages 0-18 are needed. Toys can include puzzles, games, dolls, action figures and learning and educational materials. Other gifts can be umbrellas, home electronics, small appliances, school supplies, day planners. Clothing needed are jackets, rain coats, socks, underwear, knit caps, gloves, scarves, sweaters. Other things that can be donated are household items such as alarm clocks, personal heaters, towels, blankets, bedding, toothbrushes, tooth paste, lotion, hair dryers, brushes, combs and hair products. Donations must be dropped off at 10104 Vista Drive, in Cupertino. Details: 408-225-8033 x 305 or events@wvcommunityservices.org.