The Plainview-Old Bethpage Road Runners Club (POBRRC) is participating in two major efforts to help others in the spirit of the Christmas/Chanukah season, and invites everyone in the local area to join in.

First, POBRRC's Gordon Reilling is heading up a drive to collect old shoes to help out the victims of Hurricane Mitch in Honduras. All items of clothing are needed, but shoes are especially important, so now is the time for residents to clean out their closets and get rid of the old shoes they won't be using again, the club noted.

For information about the Honduran Relief program, one may call Gordon at 735-3291, or just drop off old shoes (or other unwanted clothing) at the POBRRC Clubhouse, at 101-24 Dupont Street in Plainview. (The clubhouse is open most weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but call Linda at 349-7646 to make sure or to make special arrangements for weekend delivery.)

Secondly, POBRRC is spearheading the annual Athletes for Life Blood Drive, that will take place at the Melville Marriott Hotel on Sunday, Dec. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

You don't have to be an athlete to give the "gift of life." You only have to be between the ages of 17 and 76, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and not have donated blood within the preceding 56 days. The Mariott is located at the intersection of the Long Island Expressway and Old Walt Whitman Road in Melville, and just show up on the 27th and your donation of blood will be most gratefully accepted. Call Vinnie Croce at 922-3145 for more information.

"Sometimes we forget what this season is supposed to be all about," observed POBRRC Vice President Mindy Davidson. "But giving of yourself, sharing with others, and helping out your fellow man and fellow woman is what we all should be doing this time of year. It's easy to donate a pair of old shoes. It's easy to donate a pint of blood. So please join the local running community in making the season just a little bit brighter for others!"