First United Methodist Church, 200 E. North St., will host a free Christmas Day dinner from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 25 in its Epworth Center.

Reservations are appreciated; call Betty Scott at 724-287-3889 or the church office at 724-283-6160 by Dec. 20.

To volunteer to work at the dinner, sign up at the church's Welcome Center.

Baskets are on display now for Lifesteps' fifth annual Holiday Spirit basket campaign at Lifesteps' main center on New Castle Road and at Huntington Bank at Stirling Village on Evans City Road.Winning tickets will be pulled on Dec. 17.For information, contact Mae Kerr at 724-283-1010. The campaign benefits the Lifesteps' Family Caring Fund.

MARS — Mars Public Library, 107 Grand Ave., will host an American Red Cross baby-sitting course from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 15.Training gives youth ages 12 to 15 the skills necessary to care for infants through school-age children.Registration is required for the $35 course. Call 724-625-9048.

The Butler Historical Society’s latest publication, “School’s Out: 150 Years of Butler County Pennsylvania Schools, the Northern Townships,” is for sale. Butler County’s educational heritage is documented with more than 400 photographs, factual information and memories spanning more than 150 years.The book is available at the Hair Specialist at Moraine Pointe Plaza and the Butler County Historical Society office, 123 W. Diamond St.Notices of local upcoming news should be received by the Focus Department one week in advance of the event. Information should be sent to: P.O. Box 271, Butler, PA 16003, or focus@butlereagle.com.