Five Things You Need to Know Today in Norwood: Recycle Your Styrofoam Packaging!

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. There will be a one day only styrofoam recycling day at the Winter Street Compost Facility today, Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for more information, and be sure to bring all that extra shipping styrofoam from holiday gifts to be recycled.

2. The combined Irish clubs of Boston and Massachusetts are holding a benefit dance on Dec. 29 at Concannon's Village in Norwood to aid the hurricane victims of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. and run until midnight. There is a desperate shortage of new clothing, blankets, baby items and of course cash. Clothing items may be dropped off at Concannon's the evening of the event.

3. Norwood Public Schools are closed all this week for the holiday break. Classes will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 2. Not sure what to do with the family the rest of the week? Check out some ideas here!

4. Charles River Running and Winged Foot Running are introducing their Norwood racing series with the first annual Back on My Feet 5k and 1 Mile Run on New Year’s Day. Back on My Feet, a national non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless by first engaging them in running to build confidence, strength, and self-esteem, will serve as the race’s beneficiary with 100 percent of all proceeds going to the Boston chapter. The race begins at 10 a.m. at the Norwood Knights of Columbus Hall. Registration is now open for teams and individuals.

5. Did you know that holiday lights are recyclable? The Norwood Recycling Department has two drop off locations, check here for more information.