Sheriff’s office to host gunlock giveaway
Deputies from the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office will pass out free gun safety locks to citizens and gun safety pledge cards to kids Dec. 15.
Deputies will hand out the locks in the following locations: Broad and Chestnut streets; 52nd and Market streets; 22nd Street and Lehigh Avenue; Bridge and Pratt streets; Broad Street and Olney Avenue; and 24th Street and Oregon Avenue. Officials will hand the locks out 2-4 p.m.
In conjunction with City Council President Darrell Clarke, the Sheriff’s Office has also been giving out free gunlocks the past two years. No ID is required and representatives do not ask questions. Citizens can pick them up 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, 100 S. Broad St., fifth floor.
LGBT groups to host Holiday Open House
Two LGBT organizations will host an afternoon of entertainment this weekend. The William Way LGBT Community Center and Philadelphia Family Pride will host a mini art fair where attendees can purchase gifts in time for the holiday season. Featured artists include V. Shayne Frederick, Natalie Hope McDonald, Sharif Pendleton, Queerality/Chris Landtroop, Devon Reiffer, G. Santaniello and Eli J. VandenBerg.
The event will also feature a Christmas tree, carols and a kid-friendly environment. The Holiday Open House will be held 12-4 p.m. Dec. 16 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
LGBT adoptive parents will take center stage at panel
The National Adoption Center next week will host a panel of LGBT adoptive parents sharing their experiences. Two same-sex couples and Adoptions from the Heart social workers will discuss their adoption stories and the overall adoption journey. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask the panelists questions.
Gloria Hochman, communications director of the National Adoption Center, will also be on hand to discuss the fundamentals of adoption and foster children in the area who are available to be adopted. The event will include beverages and appetizers.
“Adoption Means a Lifetime of Love: How LGBTQ Individuals Can Create a Family Through Adoption” will be held 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Wells Fargo Museum, 123 S. Broad St.