AMHERST — Two programs aimed at building connections for Amherst’s senior citizens during the holiday season and over the winter months are being put together at the Amherst Senior Center.

Returning this year is Claus for a Cause, a pick-me-up around the holidays for home-bound seniors, especially those with without immediate family in the area or who have lost loved ones.

Donations being accepted at the Senior Center, located at the Bangs Community Center, include puzzle books, hard candies, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, lotions, lip balm, self-care items and warm winter clothing. People can drop off items through Dec. 13 at 3 p.m., with bags to be packed by volunteers on Dec. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and then distributed Dec. 18.

The Senior Center is also attempting to launch a pen pal project that will match Amherst senior citizens with high school students, with an exchange of handwritten letters that will tell stories and share wisdom. Distribution will be coordinated by the center to protect people’s privacy.

Julia MacFadzen, volunteer and outreach coordinator, said if enough participants get involved, the pen pal exchange may come to a close with a luncheon or some kind of gathering.

For more information about Claus for a Cause or becoming part of the pen pal project, contact MacFadzen at 259-3038 or macfadzenj@amherstma.gov.

To suggest someone as a recipient of the Clause for a Cause gift bags, contact Social Services Coordinator Lucas Schildbach at 259-3062.

Navigating differences

A community conversation about navigating differences will be hosted by Amherst’s Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on Nov. 21, part of the town’s ongoing “Becoming a Beloved Community” series.

The discussion will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. People can register for the program at https://forms.office.com/r/6x925pa39z.

The events in the “Beloved Community” series provide the opportunity to engage in DEI-led civic conversations that aim to foster a safer and more welcoming environment, and better quality of life for the Amherst community.

Coinciding with this event, the DEI Department and Community Responders for Equity, Safety and Service will be holding a separate space for community members to process the presidential election results. To be held in Room 101 at the Bangs, CRESS Director Camille Theriaque will lead the discussion.

Holiday gift drive

An annual holiday gift drive coordinated by Amherst police begins Monday.

Running through Dec. 20, the department will collect unwrapped gifts, books and gift cards, as well as wrapping supplies, at the 111 Main St. police station. Donations will then be distributed to the Amherst Survival Center, the Bridge Family Resource Center and Jessie’s House.

The department will also be involved in a stuff-a-cruiser event.

For more information about the drive, contact Detective Marcus Humber at 413-259-3355 or humberm@amherstma.gov.

Latino Excellence Award

Marta Guevara, director of student and family engagement for the Amherst schools, was recently recognized with a Latino Excellence Award by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.

Guevara was nominated by state Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, for her service to the schools since September 1999, where she has been a Spanish teacher, assistant high school principal and student services administrator.

“She is a tireless advocate for student and staff safety, and her work has enriched our community’s celebration of culture and diversity and our knowledge and appreciation of Puerto Rican culture,” Domb wrote in a Facebook post.

The award, which honored 25 people as community leaders, trailblazers and change-makers, was celebrated with an event featuring keynote speaker Alejandra Y. Castillo.

CDBG hearing

A virtual public hearing about the Community Development Block Grant program is set for Monday at 7 p.m. at https://amherstma.zoom.us/j/83615976815.

This public hearing and public meeting of the CDBG Advisory Committee is an opportunity for the community to hear updates on current activities from the 2022-2023 grant and give input on the 2025 application process, including what should be community priorities, the community development strategy, target areas and project proposals.

The state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has designated Amherst as a mini-entitlement community eligible to apply for CDBG funds that support housing, community development projects, and social service activities to improve the lives of Amherst’s low- and moderate-income residents.

Hungrytown performance

Indie folk duo Hungrytown, made up of Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson, will give a free performance at the Jones Library’s Woodbury Room on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

The program features the duo’s original, award-winning songs performed on a variety of instruments and featuring trademark harmony singing.

Meetings

MONDAY: Board of Registrars, 9:30 a.m., First Floor Meeting Room, Town Hall; Design Review Board, 5 p.m.; Cultural Council, 6 p.m.; Town Council and Finance Committee, 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.

TUESDAY: Jones Library Buildings and Facilities Committee, 9 a.m.; Land Management Subcommittee, noon.

THURSDAY: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m.