Many kids in the Philadelphia area will be cold this winter because their families can’t afford heat or warm clothes. To help local children stay warm, neighbor Jeannette Bennicelli is organizing a winter coat drive for Cradles to Crayons, a local non-profit that provides children living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need. If you have new or used winter clothing or coats for children aged infant through 17 years old that you would like to donate, please email Jeannette at: jbennice2@gmail.com to arrange the donations.

UPDATE: Jeannette sends many thanks to all those who responded to this post and donated coats and says that she welcomes more donations (deadline is Monday, Dec. 17).

Penn Museum (3260 South St.) is celebrating the 125th anniversary of their founding on Thursday, Dec. 6 with a 12-hour free Community Open House. The Open House runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with opportunities for behind the scenes tours, talks, informal meetings with the museum curators and collections staff, and more.

Full details of tomorrow’s activities are available here. And here‘s a story about Penn Museum in today’s The New York Times.

Police are still searching for the driver of the silver Chevrolet Trailblazer involved in Monday night’s deadly hit-and-run accident at 48th and Chester. A 52-year-old woman was run over and killed while crossing the street. Police have not released the name of the victim, but various media outlets have identified her as Deanna Teal.

The heavily damaged SUV with New York license plates that police believe was involved in the crash was found abandoned a few blocks away from the accident scene.

6 ABC reports that Ms. Teal left behind a daughter and six grandchildren and was engaged to get married soon. She was reportedly walking home when she was struck. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends.

After an intense investigation by the Homicide Unit, Amin Gibbs, a 33-year-old male from the 6800 Block of Dicks Avenue was arrested and charged with murder in the November 17 death of 22-year-old student Zykia Sanders. She was shot in the back outside of West Park Apartments near 45th and Market streets and later died in the hospital. Police offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Gibbs was arrested near 7th and Race Street in Center City.

Zykia Sanders.

Elsa.

Elsa and Emily are lovely, petite tuxedo kittens (about 10-12 months old), rescued this past summer near Penn’s campus. Elsa is the cutest grey & white girl, with a white triangle outlining her little grey nose. She was a bit shy at first, but has become quite the cuddle bug and is very receptive to hugs and kisses from her foster mom & dad. Elsa has an irresistible raspy chirp (much like a lion cub’s), is quite chatty, and purrs whenever you’re nearby.

Lovely Emily is the black & white babe. She adores belly and chin rubs. She’s got a streak of tomboy in her; loves to chase and wrestle with our big tabby guy! They’re just the sweetest and gentlest of girls. Both are fine with being held, and will be happy to sit on your lap and be combed and fussed over. Neither is over demanding of attention. Elsa and Em’ have become companion kitties since their respective rescues, so we would love for them to be adopted as a pair.

Emily.

Kitty FACTS: The girls have been fully vetted (tested, spayed, vaccinated, microchipped) and are disease free. Paperwork from their vetting will be included, along with a few of their favorite things. Indoor only. Kitties must keep their claws! They eat a primarily canned food diet. Excellent litterbox manners. Okay with gentle dogs. Appropriate screening and a willingness to contribute towards their vetting (or donation to a local rescue group) shouldn’t be a problem for potential adopters. Feel free to email with any questions about the girls or to arrange a meeting. Including a brief history of your experience with kitties, description of current home situation, and the name of your vet would be most helpful.

For more information contact Linda at lml3@verizon.net.

If you are thinking of buying a book as a holiday gift, please consider doing so at local bookstores this holiday season and support your neighbors instead of giving your money to giant online companies. We’re lucky to have a few really nice bookstores in the area that are offering some great deals, holding special events, and are open extra hours to serve your holiday shopping needs. If you missed our story from earlier this year on why local books are worth buying, click here.

Here are a couple of suggestions.

Penn Book Center (130 S. 34th St.), an independently-owned bookstore serving the University City community since 1962, is offering a special 2 for 1 deal on Everyman’s Library hardbacks and assorted cookbooks. The store is also giving 20 percent off all books in its Art section and assorted coffee table books. If you become a frequent buyer you can get a $10.00 credit every time you spent $100.00. If PBC doesn’t have a book in stock, their staff will be happy to order it for you. For more information visit www.pennbookcenter.com (make sure to check out the poem of the day!).

Bindlestiff Books (4530 Baltimore Ave) is planning on being open every day through December 24 (Noon to 7 except Sundays, when they close at 5). They’ll take special orders for books through 7 p.m. Dec. 19 for delivery through Dec. 21 (new deliveries will be coming in a couple of times a week, including new books, more calendars, and even some new remainder titles). The store has gotten in lots of new children’s and chapter books, several new journals and calendars, and more.

The store is also organizing some special events this month, including Kol Tzedek’s Annual Hanukkah Party on Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., and presentation and discussion of Cannabis Chassidis: The Ancient and Emerging Torah of Drugs (Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.) by author Joseph Lieb (details and excerpts at www.cannabischassidis.blogspot.com) who will also sign copies in the bookstore’s back room. Finally, Bindlestiff Books will be tabling as part of the holiday bazaar/vegetarian potluck fundraiser at the Calvary Center for Community & Culture (48th & Baltimore) this Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.