HOLOCAUST WRITING CONTEST: The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation is inviting students in grades 7-12 in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, and western Pennsylvania to enter its annual Holocaust writing, art and multimedia contest, a project held in conjunction with Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). To be commemorated this academic year on April 8, Yom Hashoah is an internationally recognized day set aside for remembering all victims of the Holocaust and for reminding society of what can happen to civilized people when bigotry, hatred, and indifference reign.

The theme for this year’s contest is “Torn From Home,” a reflection on how the enforced loss of a safe place to call “home” is part of the trauma faced by victims of genocide and persecution, and the difficulties survivors face as they try to find new homes and build new lives. Appropriate contest submissions must conform to the theme “Torn From Home” and relate to the Holocaust.

The deadline is March 26. Although submissions may be mailed, students are encouraged to submit all entries electronically. Writings, art and media entries may be sent to the Jewish Community Relations Council, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504-1314, or e-mailed to nsentelik@jewishyoungstown.org. Presentation of contest awards will be made during a virtual Community Yom Hashoah Commemoration Ceremony on April 8. Winners and their teachers will be contacted in advance of the event with details on the time and parameters for participation. For information about the writing contest, contact the JCRC at 330-746-3250. ext.108.

POOL FUNDRAISER: A fundraising effort has kicked off for Hubbard Community Pool to replace its diving blocks, which are 20 years old. The pool is the home pool for seven school swim teams as well as the Kraken Swim Club at Hubbard. The pool also offers swim lessons, an extensive aquatics program and swim parties.

Prior to the stay at home orders by Gov. Mike DeWine in the spring 2020, $125,000 was spent to replace the boiler that heats the pool.

Due to the lost revenue during the shutdown, and the need to replace the diving blocks, pool director Adrienne Poullas decided to launch a fundraising campaign to help speed up the process. One block costs approximately $3,000 to replace. Local donors have given enough money to purchase two new blocks. However, six need to be replaced.

HELPING HANDS: The Helping Hands Closet at Canfield Western Reserve United Methodist, 4580 Canfield Road, is offering a March winter clearance event. Items are discounted 50 percent. For information, call 330-318-7952.

HELPING SECOND HARVEST: Giant Eagle store locations are accepting donations for Second Harvest Food Bank’s Harvest for Hunger campaign through April 3. Customers can help provide food to those in need by donations of $1, $5 or $10 at Giant Eagle stores in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. The donation will be added to the grocery bill. In 2020, Giant Eagle stores raised $111,000 through Check Out Hunger, which was able to provide the food center 66,069 meals.

Harvest for Hunger is one of the largest annual countywide food and funds drive to take place from February to April.

For information, call 330-792-5522.

TODAY

• Write to Recover — 10 a.m., Meridian Place, 1184 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

• Outspokin’ Wheelmen Bicycle Club — bicycle rides daily. Check out outspokinwheelmen.com for information.

• Gamblers Anonymous — 7:30 p.m., Christ Presbyterian Church, 3425 Hopkins Road, Youngstown.

• Freedom Area Service of Narcotics Anonymous — 7:30 p.m., 280 Millcreek Drive, Boardman.