There are three great mathematical questions in the universe still to be resolved:

(1.) If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, how many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick?

(2.) How much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

(3.) How many Christmas presents does it take to fill a Subaru Impreza hatchback?

We probably never will know the answers to the first two questions, but we moved a step closer to answering No. 3 during the first drop-off of gifts this evening for our annual Adopt-a-Family effort.

The parking lot at the former Quigley’s sports bar was bustling as a steady stream of SRC members popped in to share a wide array of presents for our two adopted families, the Burnetts and the Fitzgeralds. Project coordinator Bill Dowd was able to stuff his vehicle about two-thirds full, and we still have another nine days to donate before the dropoff deadline at Circles of Mercy.

If you haven’t yet participated but wish to do so, here’s how you can do it:

• Check the updated, suggested shopping list on the club website to see what items still are needed (gift card duplicates are OK) and let Bill know if you plan to purchase them.

• Drop off gifts at the Drumm Veterinary Clinic during regular business hours up until Thursday, December 10, or between 6 and 6:30 p.m. at Quigley’s on Friday, December 11.

PLEASE REMEMBER that gifts must be appropriately wrapped (gift cards should be in an envelope) and clearly labeled with the intended recipient.

Our sincere thanks to all for their generosity so far. You’ll be making a happy holiday season for two needy families.

P.S. If we manage to overfill Bill’s car, don’t worry about it. He has another for use as a backup Santa Claus sleigh!