Greer's OC

Pretend City is turning two in a big way. You can help celebrate on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission, fun activities, special guests and birthday cake!  More than 500 children are expected to sing happy birthday, and enjoy cake from 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Since it’s opening, more than 335,000 visitors have come to Pretend City Children’s Museum to experience an educational facility unlike anything we have seen in Orange County. It’s a place for children to enjoy purposeful play, hands-on learning, role playing and educational programs. And thankfully with the help of scholarships, 30,000 visits were provided to families and classrooms that could not otherwise afford it.

The non-profit museum depends on community-based funding and support from visitors to provide children with much-needed experiences for a productive and fulfilling future. There are 15 interactive exhibits and activities where children can learn foundational math, reading and science skills, with an emphasis on curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, teamwork, self-confidence and socialization Pretend City Children’s Museum is at 29 Hubble in Irvine.

Have Mercy, Stand Down

Mercy House is working with the organizers of the 1st Stand Down event coming up in Sept. 17-18 to benefit homeless veterans in Orange County. Right now the veterans needs gently used towels and blankets (wool blankets preferred, if possible).

If you have any that you are willing to donate, consider dropping them off at 807 N. Garfield St. in Santa Ana. The items need to be towels and blankets need to arrive no later than Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.

Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

For information contact James Brooks, 714.836.7188 x107.

Mercy House provides homeless prevention, emergency services, transitional housing and permanent housing with supportive services to homeless men, women and children living in Orange County, Pomona and Ontario.