Five Things You Need to Know Today in Norwood: Donate Used Coats, Non-Perishable Foods

Five Things You Need To Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

1. Election Day is tomorrow. Still undecided? Check out Norwood Patch's Election Guide, and watch for more election coverage throughout the day Tuesday.

2. Head over to the Morrill Library for the first screening in the Fiction 2 Film series, "Murder on the Orient Express," followed by a brief discussion of Agatha Christie’s mystery of the same name. The 1974 film’s all-star cast includes Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, John Gielgud, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Widmark and Jacqueline Bisset. The library suggests that you read the book before watching the movie. The title selected for Dec. 3 is David Auburn’s play “Proof.”  Please sign up for any or all of these “fiction and film” evenings, funded by the Friends of the Library, at either the Reference or the Information Desk or call 781-769-0200, x110 or 222.

3. Donate your gently used coats to the Norwood Rotary Coat Drive to benefit the Norwood Community Ecumenical Food Pantry. Donation locations are Town Hall, Public Safety Offices, Civic Center, Coakley Middle School, Norwood High School, Xaverian Brothers High School, Norwood Podiatry Offices, and the Senior Center.

4. During the month of November the Morrill Library will accept donations of non-perishable food for fines incurred for overdue materials. All donations will go to the Norwood Food Pantry.

5. According to the American Red Cross, Hurricane Sandy has already caused the cancellation of about 300 blood drives and more cancellations are expected. So far, the cancellations have resulted in a shortfall of more than 10,700 blood and platelet donations across 14 states that would otherwise be available for those needing transfusions. The Red Cross is urging those in unaffected areas to donate if possible. The American Red Cross Donation Center in Dedham holds red blood donation drives Tuesday and Thursday from 12-7 p.m. Click the link to schedule an appointment. One pint of blood can save up to three lives.