"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the five things in the comments section.

1. This is the 10th year of the Parkway Kettle Campaign, the local fundraising campaign for the Salvation Army outside of Roche Bros.
2. The James Hennigan Insurance Agency is holding a Holiday Open House at their new location at 1915 Centre St., from 4-8 p.m. Stop by and say hello. 
3. Tonight attend a free lecture on The Everyday Guide to Wine at the West Roxbury Library. 6 p.m. 
4. The Boston City Council's Committee on Census and Redistricting, will meet today at 11 a.m. at City Hall. Fifth floor in the Curley Room. This meeting is open to the public and the purpose of it is discuss map submissions and proposals about district boundaries. 
5. Do you want to win the Boston Public Schools $100,000? Participate in the Deck Your House holiday house contest. Several winners will win money to pay your heating bill.