It may be better to give than receive. One study suggests donating time or goods can benefit the giver and the recipient.

After observing volunteers do both, Providence Portland Medical Center, in Portland Oregon, Director of Behavioral Health Jim Mol, revealed his findings. In an interview to the Columbian newspaper, the psychologist found, "Even observing someone extend a kindness, improves a person's mood." He added it is more likely the onlooker will also perform an act of kindness after viewing this good deed. Mol noted there can be physical benefits from giving as well.

"When an individual volunteers, he or she benefits from a decrease in stress hormones."

Contributing to our local disadvantaged residents is a great start in reaping the benefits of benevolence this Thanksgiving.

A group reaching out to the community this season is the Salisbury Middle School Interact Club. The club is presently sponsoring a food drive. Please donate non-perishable food items to help those in need. The collection site is outside the main office of SMS and donations will be accepted through Nov. 22. Donations will be given to Everlasting Ministries Food Bank.

In a collaborative effort within the district social worker Jill Williams, the student government association at Salisbury High School is collecting food and toys for Salisbury Angels with all donations going to Salisbury students and their families. For more information or to donate, email manderson@stsd.org.

Early dismissal for kindergarten parent teacher conferences will be Nov 21 for Harry S Truman and Western Salisbury Elementary schools. Conferences for first through fifth grades at both elementary schools will be Nov. 22 through 27. Early dismissal times for both schools will be 1 p.m.

SMS's Parent Teacher conferences will be held Nov 25 to 27 and the students dismissal time will be 12:15 p.m.

All Salisbury Township schools will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday Nov 28 through Dec. 2.

On Nov. 11, HST showed its support by honoring family members of students and staff who served or are currently serving, in the United States military. To recognize and thank our troops, an assembly was held at the school. All grades participated by displaying presentations to honor veterans. The assembly program included singing, reciting poems and reading thank you letters.

The school's PTO sponsored Holiday Shoppe for students will be held Dec 3 to 6. Dec. 4 is The PTO Holiday Shoppe Family Night 6 to 7:30 p.m. with an appearance from Santa.

The Salisbury High School Literary Club is hosting a book fair at Barnes & Noble, The Promenade Shoppes in Saucon Valley. The event will be 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 22. The book fair will include author book signings, a scavenger hunt, crafts and story times. A certain amount of all purchased items for the event will go to the Salisbury High School Literary Club.

The Salisbury boys basketball program is running its annual, "Bruce Uhl Falcon Basketball Camp" 1 to 4 p.m.Nov. 24 in the SHS gym. The clinic is open to fourth through seventh grade boys.

The camp will teach fundamental skills of basketball which will include drills geared toward improvement of footwork, rebounding, passing, shooting and dribbling. There is a fee per child. If a second child from the same family would like to participate, the additional child's fee will be reduced. Checks should be made payable to, "Salisbury Boys Basketball" and mailed to SHS, 500 Montgomery St. Allentown, 18103, Attention Coach Jason Weaver. For any questions, call Weaver at 484-201-3411.

Salisbury municipal offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving, Nov 28 and Nov 29.