Around Town: Assistance League brings holiday cheer to soldiers far away

Members of the Assistance League of Laguna Beach’s professionals group collected books and assorted gifts for their annual shipment of holiday packages to deployed military men and women.

At their November meeting, they packed up 56 boxes for mailing to soldiers overseas in places like Afghanistan. Soldiers receiving these holiday packages often respond with messages of appreciation, according to a news release.

This year’s packages are going to men and woman on their first deployment.

*

Beautification Council honored for natural tree

Laguna Beach Beautification Council won honorable mention for its natural Christmas tree in the group’s second year of entry at the Sawdust Winter Festival.

The tree was adorned with fresh white freesia, red mums, toyon berries, pine cones, succulents and other natural elements. The only man-made ornaments on the tree were the Beautification Council membership brochures.

The mission of the Laguna Beach Beautification Council, which was started in 1952, is to help maintain and enhance the natural beauty and quality of life in Laguna Beach.

The Sawdust Winter Festival trees can be seen from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21 at the Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road.

Cost is $7 adults; $6 seniors; and $4 for kids. Children 5 and younger are free.

— From staff reports