Holiday helpers

Local luminaries, including Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren and running back Shaun Alexander and University of Washington basketball coach Lorenzo Romar, will be ringing Salvation Army bells over red donation kettles in downtown Seattle today to encourage contributions in the charity's annual holiday appeal.

Celebrity bell ringers will be at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Pine Street from noon to 1 p.m.

Food bank for pets

The Humane Society for Seattle/King County has a holiday food drive going to restock a pet-food bank that supplies goods to feed the pets of low-income seniors, people with AIDS, and others who might otherwise feel a need to choose between pet care and their own care.

Collection barrels are at area Safeway stores for donations of canned and dry cat and dog food. Dry cat food is especially needed. Donations also can be dropped off at the Humane Society at 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way in Bellevue.

Society officials said the organization distributes food for about 900 dogs and cats monthly.

The organization's annual Holiday Pet Food Drive runs until Dec. 26.

Sunday run

This is the last week to sign up for the Arthritis Foundation's 22nd annual Jingle Bell Run & Walk in downtown Seattle on Sunday. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday. The event will be centered on Westlake Center, starting at 8 a.m. Teams and individuals can sign up to help raise money for nonprofit foundation programs.

Online registration is closed, but participants can sign up in person and at a number of locations. The entry fee is $25 for adults; $10 for children up to age 8. Participants are encouraged to wear seasonal costumes to capture the holiday spirit.

Registration is required. Information is online at www.seattlejinglebellrun.org, or call 206-547-2707, or toll free 800-746-1821.

Getting around

A barge hauling a geotechnical crew is moving around Lake Washington near the Highway 520 bridge today and will be around for the rest of the month testing soil on the lake bottom. Motorists may be able to spot the barge from the bridge, but the testing will not disrupt traffic.

During the month, the barge will be in five different locations on the lake.

State Department of Transportation engineers will use test results to design bridge pier support structures for a new Highway 520 bridge.

Can you help?

Volunteer musicians and helpers are needed for the 21st annual Pathway of Lights festival, which will be held along the path around Green Lake on Saturday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Performance tents will be set up around the lake, and experienced singers and musicians can sign up to perform holiday music.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare and place lanterns around the lake Saturday afternoon or to help illuminate them to start the festival. For information about how you can help, call Barb Drake at the Green Lake Community Center, 206-684-0780, or e-mail barb.drake@seattle.gov.

Here & Now is compiled by Seattle Times staff reporter Charles E. Brown and news assistant Suesan Whitney Henderson. To submit an item, e-mail herenow@seattletimes.com or call 206-464-2226.