THURSDAY 7

HELP A CHILD | We’re in the “giving season,” so to speak, a time when it’s also important to remember that not all charities are 100 percent trustworthy and benevolent. If you’re suspicious of the Red Cross or the Salvation Army — organizations that have a shady history of exclusion and mishandling how they distribute their aid — consider smaller groups with clearly defined goals and a highly specific mission. MyLIFESpeaks, a group out of Nashville that’s working to provide education, care, and health services to orphan children in Haiti, seems legit. The yogis at Portland’s Pure Barre believe so too. They’re gathering tonight in Shipyard’s tasting room, accepting donations of educational themed toys that they’ll send to kids on the island who could put them to good use. Organizers encourage you to find something nice around the house to donate. If you can't, come anyway! Buy a beer and/or stick around for their pop-up yoga class and your cash will go to the cause instead. | 6:15-8 pm | by donation | Shipyard Brewing Company, 86 Newbury St., Portland | https://www.mylifespeaks.com/