Jingle Bell Run set for Saturday in Oxford

The Arthritis Foundation will host the Jingle Bell Run/Walk on Saturday.

Volunteer organizers expect more than 300 runners and walkers to take part in the Oxford event, and they aim to raise $30,000. The festivities begin when registration opens at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Mississippi Museum on the lawn of the Walton-Young Historic House.

In addition to the 5K run/walk, there will be a one-mile fun run and an elf run for children.

Entry fees are $35 for the timed 5K, $30 for the one-mile fun run and $20 for the kids’ run.

Register at www.jbrwoxford.kintera.org or call (60) 707-8050 for more information.

Autism Center hosts annual gala Dec. 8

The Autism Center of Tupelo will host its annual gala from 7 to 11 p.m. Dec. 8 at Elkin Place in Tupelo.

The cocktail-attire event features live music, dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails at a cash bar and silent auction. Bidding in the auction ends at 9 p.m.

The autism center provides consultation and services for children with autism and their families on a sliding scale that covers about half the cost of the center. Donations, grants and events like the gala cover the remainder of the costs.

Tickets, which are $25 a person, will be sold at the door. For more information, call the center at (662) 840-0974.

Compassionate Friends hold annual service

A Compassionate Friends Candlelight Service for families who have experienced the death of a child or grandchild is planned for 3 p.m. Dec. 9, in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church in Tupelo.

Families are invited to join others to remember these children during the Christmas season. A “remembrance table” will be in place for those who want to remember their child with a picture. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Dave Jensen at (662) 842-1327 or (662) 231-1305. This service will replace the monthly Compassionate Friends chapter meeting held at 6 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month at the NMMC Wellness Center.

The mission of The Compassionate Friends is to assist families toward resolving grief following the death of a child of any age and to help others be supportive. Bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents and immediate family members are welcome to attend.