This is the time to give one of the greatest gifts, a love of reading.The Future Educator's Association at Reservoir High School is holding a Children's Book Drive until Friday, Nov. 4. Anyone who would like to donate new or gently used children's books can drop them off at the school to be placed in the collection boxes in the atrium, or have a student bring them to Linda Pchelka in room 301. The donated books will be given to Laundromat Literacy of Howard County. This nonprofit organization provides children's books to local laundromats. While most people may not think about the laundromat as being a place for a parent to spend time reading to their child, it is really a perfect place. Doing the laundry is time consuming and the location doesn't offer too many options for fun ways to spend free time. Building literacy and creating a love of reading is exactly what busy parents can do while they have their children's undivided attention during the rinse and spin cycles. My daughter and I will be going through her bookshelves and finding books to donate.You may have enjoyed a few moments of fabulous band music recently coming from Reservoir High School's parking lots. On Saturday, Oct. 15 members of the Music Boosters hosted the Music in Motion Band Competition. Nineteen bands from across Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia performed to rave reviews from spectators. Reservoir High School's marching band and color guard were a part of the performances. Doreen Reynolds was the chairwoman and led a group of alumni and parents throughout the day's organized events.The North Laurel Community Center will be the place to be on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. until noon for the first Big Wheel 500. Drivers between 3 and 8 years old will be racing on an indoor track to see who earns the spot in the winner's circle and receives the celebratory wreath. Parents must register their young drivers by calling Ashley Jones at 410-313-0459. NASCAR drivers wear helmets and closed-toe shoes so these drivers need them, too. Games, crafts and refreshments will be offered to participants and families. The cost is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.Down the road from the community center will be another family-friendly event on Saturday, Nov. 5. Members of Living Stones Church are hoping you can help them at the Savage Fire House some time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Many volunteers would make for light work at their food packing event, which also promises music and snacks. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and every child under the age of 13 must have an adult working with them during the event. Last year, more than 200 volunteers packed more than 100,000 meals to send aid to refugees of the war in Syrian. This year it is their desire to also send aid to Syrian refugees. If you want to help, you must register at www.1peter246.org and click on the "Stop Hunger Now" registration link. Lastly, if you have additional time to give and would like to help with the set-up before or clean-up after the event, then please email djosephjr@gmail.com. This is certainly a worthwhile cause.The Savage Historical Society will meet on Monday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m., at the F&M Center off Foundry Street. The presenter is scheduled to be Cathy Hengen who will cover the topic of the history of Harry Heim and the Santa Heim years in Savage.If you don't know about Harry Heim's plan to create a Christmas village in Savage Mill, then you will want to hear all about it. Your questions about the meeting can be answered by calling 301-725-1241 or 301-805-0891.