By Kristen Hackney-Redman

Some women who seek help from Women's Protective Services arrive with just the clothes on their back because they've just left an abusive situation.

That's why the South Plains Mall is asking for volunteers to stuff 300 care kits for these women from 6 to 7 p.m. May 7 at the mall's Grand Court (near the Men's Dillard's), 6002 Slide Road.<!-- Standard --><!--cSctn has invalid value--><!--flv has invalid value--><!--cSctn has invalid value--><!--MME--><!------ OAS AD end ------>

Volunteers will assemble kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and other necessities for the women WPS serves. The items have been donated by community organizations and businesses, said Beth Bridges, South Plains Mall marketing manager.

It doesn't take long at all to assemble the kits, said Bridges, who has organized similar events in the past. After the kits are put together, participants can enjoy chair massages, fashion displays, a wine tasting and hors' d'oeuvres.

"When women are with WPS or receiving services, they may leave with nothing from their home," Bridges said. "(The kits) are a nice gift to them. These are moms who probably don't have much at this point in their lives."

To sign up to stuff kits, or for more information, call 792-4654.

If you know a nurse, take an evening to honor her (or him). Buy her ticket to theNurse Appreciation Banquet, which will be hosted by the Texas Nurses Association from 6 to 8 p.m. May 7 at the Knipling Center, sixth floor of the west parking garage, 21st Street and Louisville Ave. 

The Texas Nurse Association will present the District 18 Nurse of the Year and Nursing Scholarship Awards during the banquet.

Tickets are $10 for nurses, $5 for students and $60 for table sponsors (table of eight). Tickets must be purchased by May 1 by mail to Colleen LeClair-Smith, UMC Health System Nursing Recruitment, 602 Indiana Ave., Lubbock, TX, 79415.
For more information, e-mail colleen.leclair-smith@umchealthsystem.com.

The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum’s fifth annual plant sale and swap fundraiser will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 at the arboretum, 4111 University Ave.

Gardeners may bring plants they would like to trade, and to buy gallon-size, water-wise plants that the arboretum will have on sale.

Master Gardeners also will be present to answer questions about how best to grow plants in the Lubbock area.

Additional information is available by calling Chuck Sudduth at 789-0494.

Story by Ray Westbrook:

A rose and a candle - tokens of grief for children who died by abuse - will be set in place at First Church of the Nazarene on Sunday for each of the 220 children who died because of child abuse or neglect last year in Texas.

Four of the children were from Lubbock County, according to Lynette Wilson, director of Family Guidance and Outreach Center.<!--cSctn has invalid value--><!--flv has invalid value--><!--cSctn has invalid value--><!--MME--><!------ OAS AD end ------>

“Fat: What No One Is Telling You” is a documentary exploring the reasons it’s so hard to lose weight. You can see it for free at 6 p.m. April 1 in Room 169 of Texas Tech’s Human Science Building.

 Tech’s Women’s Studies Program is showing the film as part of its series “Threading the Needle: Differing Perspectives, Differing Bodies.” An informal discussion will follow the film.

 “Fat” shares scientific knowledge about hunger, eating and metobolism. It also looks at psychological responses to food and the external pressures of oversized restaurant portions and advertisements.

 The show gets personal, too, as real Americans talk about their lives and struggles.

 For more information, call 742-4335. To watch an excerpt, click here.

If you have little ones (who aren’t terrified by a gigantic rabbit), mark your your calendar for March 21. The Mr. Bunny Tea Party will be from 11 a.m. to noon at Hodges Community Center, 4011 University Ave.

Kids who don’t want to hang out with the Easter Bunny can participate in other activities and enjoy the snacks. $10. 767-3706.

Mark your calendar for Mardi Gras, a family-friendly fundraiser featuring food from 35 restaurant booths, live jazz music, a silent auction, children's activities, a French market, cash bar and a variety of entertainers.

It’ll be from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 24. Tickets are $30 for adults in advance, $35 at the door. 792-7971 

If you’re not a mentor to someone, well, you should be. I promise it will enhance your life just as much as it does the mentee (I make up words as I feel the need). Trust me, I’ve been a Big Sister for eight years. And you can, too!

Big Brothers Big Sisters will host a fun-filled informational evening at 6 p.m. Thursday at Main Event, 6010 Marsha Sharp Freeway. This event is for anyone interested in volunteering.

Free snacks, too. Just show up. If you have questions, feel free to call 763-6131.

Secrets to a Successful Wedding, a six-hour seminar, will start at 1 p.m. Feb. 21 at Mae Simmons Community Center, 2004 Oak. Ave. You’ll get loads of info for planning the wedding and bridal shower and meet with wedding vendors. $10 will get you in the door. 767-2708.

I love silent auctions. You can get a good look at everything before deciding what you really want to go for. And then you can get serious if you want, but there’s not the pressure of someone yelling like a maniac for bids like you have in a live auction.

At the last one, I won a “Bob the Builder” movie for $5 and a “Fireman Sam” movie for $4. I admit, I shop for gifts at these things. My sister is getting a pair of soft pink pajamas (which I really thought about keeping for myself) for her upcoming birthday, and I got them for a steal.

There’s going to be a silent auction beginning at 9 a.m. Feb. 9 at Hodges Community Center, 4011 University Ave. It will have home décor, gift certificates, clothes … who knows what else! Bidding will end at 7 p.m. Feb. 12. 767-3706.

If you live in or near Lockney, take advantage of the breast cancer screening and mammography clinic Dec. 30 at W.J. Mangold memorial Hospital, 320 N. Main St. You’ve got to make an appointment, though. Call 356-1905 or (800) 377-4673.

Art Avenue has Girls Night Out twice a month (except this month, because of Christmas). You can paint pottery, make fused glass and all kinds of other creative things.

You get 10 percent off projects, free snacks and door prizes. You can bring your own booze -- might get really creative!

There’s a different theme each time, and if you dress accordingly, you get an additional discount. Tonight’s is Santa.

Art Avenue is at 5412 Slide Road, in shopping center north of the mall. 793-1126.

Get there early so you can find a good viewing spot. Then enjoy hot chocolate and the camaraderie of fellow Lubbockites as you wait for the spectacle to begin.

Parade route along 34th Street. More details here at 544-5059.