"Five Things you Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1. O'Donnell Middle School Showcase

The Stoughton Public Schools will be holding “showcase nights” in the coming weeks, giving parents and students the chance to learn about the Stoughton schools, while encouraging families to educate their children in the town’s public school system.

The showcase for the O'Donnell Middle School is this evening, Thursday, February 2, from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the OMS Media Center.

It's geared for incoming Grade 6 students.

For the dates of the preschool/elementary school showcase, click here.

2. Thursday is Food Pantry Day in Stoughton

Stoughton resident Peg Carbone continues her effort to curb hunger in Stoughton, personally picking up donations for the food pantries every Thursday.

Here's a note from Peg: "I pick up non perishable food and also household items every Thursday, anywhere in Stoughton and deliver them to the food pantry. Please tell your friends and neighbors. One item, one bag or several, and I will pick them up every Thursday."

"The winter months are upon us and they are especially tough months for the folks who shop at the pantries," Carbone continued. "Heating bills make buying good nourishing food difficult or impossible."

Haven't called to arrange a pickup? It's not too late. Call Peg at 508-889-1385 or send an email to peg.carbone@comcast.net.

3. Sports on Tap

The Stoughton High boys' basketball teams take on Franklin. The varsity matchup is between the 12-1 Black Knights and the 10-3 Panthers. Stoughton has won six in a row, while Franklin has won 10 straight.

• 3:30 p.m. - boys' freshman basketball vs. Franklin
• 5:00 p.m. - boys' JV basketball vs. Franklin
• 6:30 p.m. - boys' varsity basketball vs. Franklin

4. Converse with a Nurse

Every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Hall on the 2nd Floor, meet Stoughton Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) nurses and ask health-related questions and discuss your concerns.

5. Senior Center Events

• 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Senior Fitness
• 10:30 a.m. - Blood Pressure Clinic
• 10:30 a.m. - Quilting
• 11 a.m. - Piano with Rita
• 12 p.m. - Knitting and Crocheting
• 12:30 p.m. - Canasta
• 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. - Wii Bowling
• 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Tap Dancing
• LUNCH (11:15 a.m.) - Veal Bourguignon