As the fear of child abductions grows with every new case, parents are turning to new ways to help protect their children. On Saturday, Dec. 13, 100 DNA identification kits will be given away from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Antiques and Collectibles Faire at Princeton Plaza (Meridian at Kooser) on a first-come, first-served basis. An additional 200 kits will be available for $5 each. For more information call 408.997.1775.

City government access TV moves

San Jose's government access channel has moved from channel 37/37A to 26/26A on the city's cable systems.

The channel broadcasts city council meetings as well as offering information about city services and programs.

Arbor training for future Tree Amigos

The next Our City Forest "Tree Amigo" volunteer training course begins Jan. 14. Those completing the 18-hour training will become certified to coach volunteers at neighborhood and school tree plantings sponsored by Our City Forest.

The training will be held on four consecutive Wednesdays from 6­9 p.m. beginning on Jan. 14, and on two Saturdays, Jan. 24 and Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Our City Forest, 595 Park Ave., Suite 100, San Jose. Students will learn planting techniques, species identification, basic tree care, and how to help organize a community planting. There will be a tree nursery tour, a walking tree tour and a tree-planting project. For more information or to register, call 408.998.7337 or email mkimbel@ourcityforest.org.

Help make holidays bright for ill kids

The Holiday Angels Toy Drive is asking for help this holiday season in the form of donated gifts for seriously ill and hospitalized children served by Starlight Children's Foundation.

People are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped gifts at any Starbucks retail location across the United States and Canada through Dec. 25 for distribution to local community hospitals. During the holidays, Holiday Angels "giving" trees adorned with gift tags printed with toy suggestions will be on display at Starbucks.

Busy customers who do not have time to purchase a gift can support the Holiday Angels Toy Drive with a monetary donation to Starlight. For more information, call 323.930.0811, ext. 133 or 119.

Nature holiday ornament class

The Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens will be holding a class to create holiday ornaments from (and for) nature that can be used to decorate outdoor areas and provide food for the birds as well. The workshop, to be held on Dec. 12, 3:30­5:30 p.m., is designed for children 5 years of age and older and will be held at the Guadalupe Garden Center, located at 715 Spring St. in San Jose. The fee for each workshop is $5. For more information, please visit www.grpg.org or call the Education Coordinator at 408.298.7657.