Here’s a great idea for parents who want a night away from the kids. You can bring your child to the Alva Community Center.

“Your child will have a great evening at the center with arts and crafts, short movies, refreshments, snacks, inside and outside activities. We take care of your children, and you can go out for a great evening with your friends, partner, or just for yourself,” said Sandra Bates, who is in charge of the Alva Center.

She said it will be on Friday, December 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. The price is $5 per participant – ages 7 to 12 years old.

Pre-registration is required. This program could be canceled if the minimum of 10 participants is not met, Bates said.

Then there’s the Holiday Cookies event which starts at 10 a.m. the next morning, Saturday. Santa will be coming at 10:30 a.m.

Registration fee includes cookies, hot cocoa, and a small gift from Santa. Bring your own camera and take photos with him, Bates suggested. For more information call (239) 728-288.

It is scheduled for Saturday, December 11 and the price is $5 per participant. Volunteers for the Alva Community Center Lee County Parks and Recreation officials at the Alva Community Center are looking for volunteers who are 21 years or older. They need volunteers to help with children’s programs from Monday to Friday from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

It would include such things as arts and crafts, inside/outside games, tutoring, and for special events. For more information and an application call Bates at 239-728-2882. The Alva Community Center is located at 21471 N. River Road, Alva.