Datebook

• A charity gift wrap at Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, is being offered through Dec. 24. The booth is in the center court of the mall in front of the elevator. Wrappers are available during all hours and will wrap gifts from any store, even stores not in the mall. Funds are being raised for cancer research by volunteer wrappers from the Marlboro and Freehold chapters of Hadassah.

• Freehold Toastmasters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to effective oral communication, will meet Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m., at the Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, 17 Broad St., Freehold. Details: (732) 605-1362.

• The Monmouth-Ocean Scrapbookers will meet at the Marlboro library, Wyncrest Road, Marlboro, Dec. 19, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Scrapbookers are invited to learn how to create a scrapbook or to share ideas and techniques with others. There is no charge. Details: (732) 536-9406.

• The Marlboro library, Wyncrest Road, Marlboro, will show the holiday film "Pocketful of Miracles" at 2 p.m. Dec. 20. There is no charge; free popcorn provided. Details: (732) 536-9406.

• The Freehold Center Partnership will sponsor a caroling hayride, Dec. 21 from 7-9 p.m. Meet at Main and Court streets in front of the Monmouth County Hall of Records, Freehold Borough. Groups will board a hayride wagon and travel through downtown and other areas in the borough as they sing Christmas carols and other holiday songs. Details: (732) 462- 3584.

• Knights of Columbus breakfast buffet will be held on Dec. 23 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Council Hall, 70 E. Main St., Freehold. Special of the month will be a cheese omelet and corned beef hash. Donation is $7 per adult, $5 per child under 12. All are welcome. Santa will be the host for this breakfast and will be presenting gift bags to all children under the age of 12. Details: (917) 586-7349.

• CentraState Medical Center Auxiliary is hosting a Christmas Day trip on Dec. 25 to Atlantic City. Three buses are scheduled to depart from the parking lot of Covered Bridge, Manalapan, at 9:15 a.m. sharp. Pay $23 per person and receive $20 cash back. Reservations must be made in advance by calling (732) 536-5395 or (732) 536-1006. Checks must be made out to CentraState Hospital. No food allowed on bus.

• The Howell Historical Society will hold its annual holiday open house Dec. 29 from 1-4 p.m. at the McKenzie Museum, 427 Lakewood-Farmingdale Road, Howell. Refreshments will be served. All are invited. Details: (732) 458-2459.

• Monmouth Worship Center, Route 79, Marlboro, will be visited on Dec. 30 by four former members of its congregation who left last year as Assemblies of God missionary associates to Ecuador. Joe Hewes will speak at both morning services, 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. There will be a reception at 1 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. All are invited to attend. Details: (732) 332-9600.

Items for the News Transcript Datebook may be submitted via fax to (732) 780-4192.