Stay Abreast on Local Stories and Schedules This Holiday Week

By Michele Taranto

Monday Essentials is a quick snapshot of significant incidents occurring throughout Jamaica Plain in the week ahead.

Read this Heartwarming Story of a Man and How His Four-Legged Best Friend Stood by Him

After a man was hit by a car in Dorchester, his loyal dog, Lucy, an eight year-old beagle mix, reportedly ran for help, then refused to leave his side. Lucy was treated at the MSPCA Angell Memorial Medical Center, in Jamaica Plain. Read the entire story on Jamaica Plain Patch.

Still Time to Enjoy a Cup of Coffee and Help a Local Charity this Holiday Season

Fiores Bakery of Jamaica Plain is having an in-store fundraiser to benefit Italian Home for Children in Jamaica Plain. With every dollar or more donated to the charity, Fiores Bakery, at 55 South St., will take $.50 off the bill. This event will be held through Christmas Day. More information on Italian Home for Children and the services they offer can be found at italianhome.org.

Gingerbread House Benefit Raffle for Urban Edge

Bring home a gingerbread house for Christmas through this fundraiser held by the Urban Edge Housing Corp. Tickets are only $1 ($5 for 6 entries).   See the house at City Feed, 672 Centre St., JP near the freezer chests and buy tickets at City Feed, 672 Centre St., or Ferris Wheels Bike Shop. 66 South St. The house was made by Anne McKinnon, a member of the Urban Edge board of directors. Drawing is Dec. 24 (do not need to be present and you may donate the house if you like).

Trash Removal This Week

With the Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, be aware that trash removal for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be delayed by one day, unless you get service twice a week. Check here for more details.

Winter Recess

The Boston Public Schools will be on Winter Recess December 24-January 2. School resumes on Friday, January 3, 2014.