Housing Transitions’ first annual Run for Shelter 5K raised more than $12,800 for the Centre House homeless shelter and had 260 participants.

The event, which was kicked off by State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham and was presented by Northwest Savings Bank, marked the beginning of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Since 1984, Housing Transitions has addressed both issues in the community. From the Centre House homeless shelter to its first-time home buyers program, Housing Transitions has worked to improve the quality of life in Centre County by helping people become more self-sufficient.

Numerous local businesses sponsored the event, and numerous community groups sent volunteers to help make the race a success: Sigma Tau Gamma; Engineering Projects in Community Service-PSU; State College Junior Woman’s Club; State College Young Professionals; DECA (the State High marketing club); Northwest Savings Bank; and Omega Phi Alpha). A local band, The Project, also performed.

Barnes & Noble location hosts holiday book drive for kids

Barnes & Noble will hold a holiday book drive through Jan. 1 in which customers can donate books through locally designated nonprofit organizations.

The Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive allows customers to give the gift of reading to children in need during the holidays. This year, the State College Barnes & Noble at 365 Benner Pike will collect books for Centre County Youth Service Bureau.

To find out how to participate call 814-867-9330.