01:00 AM EST on Monday, December 20, 2004

REGIONAL

SANTA NEEDS HELP: Each year the U.S. Postal Service in Massachusetts receives many letters addressed to Santa Claus, asking for gifts. Many of the letters are from children who ask for gifts for others and not themselves. They often ask for warm clothes, socks, mittens, underwear, blankets and sheets.

Most of the letters are forwarded to the North Pole and many of the letter writers' wishes are granted by adoptive Postal Service employee families.

Some of the letters come from parents, the homeless, people in shelters, or victims of domestic abuse, desperately seeking the most basic necessities for their children.

The Postal Service, Massachusetts, still has many letters to be answered and wishes to be granted and is seeking the help of others.

Those who wish to help should call (617) 654-5776 and leave the following information:

their names and telephone numbers,

the gender of the child that they want to help (if there is a preference);

number of children in a family that they want to help;

geographic area preference.

The Postal Service will put callers in touch with the families in the letters, so Santa's helpers may receive more specifics.

The families are required to have their needy status vouched for by a social service agency, shelter or the clergy.

FALL RIVER

MONTHLY HOSPITAL PROGRAouthcoast Hospitals Group Infant and Child CPR for Families and Friends : Pediatric CPR course covering techniques for newborns to 8-year-olds. Offered at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave. The cost is $25 per person, includes AHA book. For dates and times, call (508) 679-7308.

Diabetes Self-Management: An American Diabetes Association certified program offering state-of-the-art diabetes self-management education for Types 1 and 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus. Program offered at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave. Cost depends on insurance coverage. For more information, call (508) 679-7143.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: The program is a structured exercise and education outpatient program for individuals recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery, heart disease or those who are at high risk.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise and Fitness Program is offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave. The program is covered by most health plans. For more information or to register, call (508) 679-7076. A physician referral is required to attend.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation program offers pulmonary rehabilitation at all three hospital sites and Somerset. This structured exercise and education program provides oxygen saturation monitoring during exercise for individuals with pulmonary diseases including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and COPD. The program meets year 'round and is covered by most health insurance policies. A referral from a physician is required. For dates or to register for programs at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave., call (508) 679-7076.

Southcoast Hospital's Safe Sitter Program: The program teaches children to become safer and more effective babysitters. For boys and girls 11 to 14 years old. Classes are held at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave., Fall River. Classes operate under a one day format. For next class date, call (508) 679-7308.

Southcoast Hospitals' Big Brothers and Big Sisters are Special : A friendly, informative gathering of expectant families to help children prepare for having a new baby in the family. Program is offered on selected Saturdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave. The cost is $10 per family and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call (508) 961-5445.

Southcoast Hospitals' Childbirth Classes : Southcoast offers a variety of childbirth classes to suit every new family's needs. Pre-registration is required for all classes. Call during the 16th week (10-12 weeks for multiples) of pregnancy to ensure placement in the class needed.

For more information on the following classes, call 508-679-7308 :

Birthing Skills in one day : Program is offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on selected Saturdays, at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave. The cost is $65.

General Childbirth Classes : Program is offered at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave. Call for more information.

Refresher Childbirth Classes Program is offered at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave. Classes scheduled as needed. Call for more Information.

Newborn Care Class : This one time class offers a hands on approach to learning the basics of caring for your newborn. Program is offered from 7 to 9 p.m. on selected Thursdays at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave. Call for more information.

New Mommy/New Baby Program : Mothers are welcome to bring their babies to help build their knowledge, skills and confidence in caring for their newborns, as well as themselves. Stay-at-home dads are welcome, too. Program is offered at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave. The cost is $25 for 6 weeks. For upcoming groups or for more information, call (508) 679-7308.

Adult Bereavement Support Group : Southcoast offers support groups for adults grieving the loss of a loved one. Groups meet on the second Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hospice Outreach, 502 Bedford St. For more information, call (888) 423-8001.

Children and Adolescents Bereavement Support Group : Southcoast offers support groups for children and adolescents grieving the loss of a loved one. This is a 6 week program offered at the Hospice Outreach, 502 Bedford St. For more information, call (888) 423-8001.

Journaling and Meditation Program : Southcoast offers Journaling and Meditation for persons and loved ones affected by ovarian cancer. This is a six-week program offered at the Hospice Outreach, 502 Bedford St. For more information, call (888) 423-8001.

Widows and Widowers Discussion Group: An ongoing support group specifically for widows and widowers. Discussions are focused on issues related to widowhood. Groups will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Hospice Outreach, 502 Bedford St. For more information, call (888) 423-8002.

Send community news items to Helen Arruda by e-mail, massbureauXprojo.com, by fax (508) 676-6140, or by mail to The Providence Journal, Massachusetts News Bureau, 1700 GAR Highway, Somerset MA 02726.