Joy Jars, Menorah and Black Friday Horseback Riding

Here is a look ahead to events and happenings in Mission Viejo and Orange County for Nov. 23-29.

1. Want a local way to give to kids with cancer this year? Now through Dec. 20, Jessie Rees's Joy Jars are collecting new age-appropriate toys for kids at City Hall, (200 Civic Center), the community center (24932 Veterans Way); Mission Viejo Library, (100 Civic Center); Montanoso Recreation Center (25800 Montanoso Drive) and the Marguerite Tennis Pavilion (27474 Casta Del Sol). Check this list of needed toys.
2. If you’re driving over the holiday, remember to buckle up and don’t drink alcohol. The California Highway Patrol will engage in a Maximum Enforcement Period from 6 p.m. Wednesday through midnight Sunday. Last year, there were 44 people killed in collisions during the Thanksgiving holiday in California.  
   
3. The Chabad Center will be lighting the menorah at La Paz and Chrisanta on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
4. Check out your books while you still can! The library is closed Thursday and Friday in commemoration of Thanksgiving.
5. For those who would rather burn calories than money, skip Black Friday and head to Irvine Regional Park. OC Parks’ “Orange Friday” event runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and includes mountain biking, horse riding and hiking. When it gets dark, you can ride the Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train.