Tyler

Local agencies are conducting soup and food drives.

East Texas Food Bank is teaming with Albertsons for the "Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive." To participate, go to an Albertson's grocery store and purchase a pre-filled bag of groceries for $8 and leave it in the donation bin.

The bags, stocked with chili, peanut butter, fruit cocktail, pinto beans, rice, macaroni and cheese, cereal and soup will be donated to the food bank.

Albertsons stores are located at 1900 Loop 323 East in Tyler and 3603 McCann Road in Longview.

The Salvation Army in Tyler is encouraging people to order soup at Chick-fil-A in Tyler, Longview and Lufkin. The restaurants will donate a serving of soup to the agency for every soup order placed through Feb. 15.

As part of the drive, PATH is asking groups to collect soup to be delivered to the PATH food pantry, 402 W. Front St., the week following Super Bowl Sunday.

CASA for East Texas volunteers, who help look out for the best interests of abused or neglected children, will hold training sessions from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 4-7, 11-13 and 18 at 318 E. Fifth St., Tyler. Information is available by calling Georgia Harris at 903-597-7725 and at the Web site, CASAforkidsofeasttexas.org.

ADAPT (Adolescent Development and Achievement Program of Tyler) will hold a fundraising domino tournament from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 16 at Glass Recreation Center, 501 W. 32nd St. To participate, organizers are asking for a donation. Seating will be limited to 100 players.

United Way of Tyler/Smith County is accepting applications for a coordinator of the annual pledge drive targeting federal employees in Smith and seven other counties. Applications are due by Feb. 15. For information, call Jim Noble at 903-530-1400.

A benefit for Kedarion Thomas, an 8-year-old leukemia patient, is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Caldwell Auditorium, 301 S. College Ave., Tyler.

According to promotional materials, the show will feature singer Dyanna Dawnn and magician and illusionist Jason Bird. For information, call 903-531-0081.

Sister Cities Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse will sponsor a program that uses drug testing as part of an effort to keep kids off drugs.

The free "Project 7th Grade" will be presented at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 in the cafeteria at John Tyler High School and in Spanish at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the school, announced SCCADA.

Parents will receive a drug testing kit. More information is available on the Web site Project7thGrade.org or by calling 903-939-9010.

Tyler Salvation Army's Chili Bowl and auction fundraiser will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Life Center at First Christian Church, 4202 S. Broadway Ave. Sheriff J.B. Smith will be the guest auctioneer. Admission is $10 and tickets are available by calling 903-592-4361, 903-561-8301 or 903-593-8903.

Boys & Girls Club of East Texas is looking for teams to take part in its first Club Cup competitions set for Feb. 28 at the headquarters, 504 W. 32nd St. The event will include a dinner and auctions. For information, contact Melissa Bristol at 903-593-9211 or e-mail Melissa@bgcet.org.

Barbara Coloroso, an authority on parenting and conflict resolution, will speak at the Parent Services Center conference set from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 9 at Ornelas Activity Center, 3402 Old Omen Road. Registration is $10 before Jan. 31 and $15 after. For information, contact PSC at 903-595-2235.

Humane Society of East Texas will have an "adopt-a-thon" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 9 at Atwoods Ranch and Home Store, 303 NNW Loop 323, Tyler. For information, call 903-597-2471.

2-1-1 East Texas offers information on free tax preparation assistance and tax credits, said LaJuan Hollis, director. To reach the information referral service, call 211.

Pets and Friends and American Red Cross will offer a class on administering first aid to pets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 9 at Pets and Friends, 2979 Texas Highway 110 North. The fee is $35. Register by calling 903-526-7400.