Shoppers at Wareham Crossing will be "Celebrating Wareham Heroes," a group of special events from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, that will help both U.S. troops serving overseas and raise funds for researching multiple sclerosis.

Activities include:

· Tobey Hospital will hold a blood drive near the Red Robin Restaurant, allowing Wareham shoppers to become anonymous heroes to their friends and neighbors.

· JC Penney will host a barbeque and bake sale on Saturday along with members of the Wareham Fire Department, Wareham Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, emergency medical technicians and even rescue dogs, with proceeds to support research on multiple sclerosis.

· The U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard will host booths and displays including a Humvee, boat and other vehicles.  Pull-up bars will allow youngsters to test their strength.

· Several center retailers will collect item donations to support the troops. Pre-paid phone cards will be accepted at AT&T, Best Buy, Cosi and JCPenney. Cell phones can be donated at AT&T, Best Buy and Cosi. White socks will be accepted at JCPenney and Old Navy. Shoppers can donate bug spray and duct tape at Lowe's.

· Wareham High School will conduct a car wash near Red Robin, with proceeds going to organizations that support the U.S. military.

· The center's Cranberry Lane will host a number of activities such as camouflage face painting and craft areas where participants can make greeting cards for the troops and create pictures of the American flag.

· Center stores will distribute vouchers from the U.S. Army to shoppers who can then redeem them at the Army's display for dog tags.

"We're totally excited about the event," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Justin Schmidt. "We try to get out to the community as much as possible."

The event was inspired by the previous generosity of Wareham Crossing tenants Old Navy and Lowe's, which collaborated over the holidays to help a local family celebrate Christmas after their home was damaged. Most significantly, the retailers have continued to decline to name the family, inspiring the idea of private generosity.

"That story was so touching, that the whole center got together and gave to neighbors with no thought of a return. But it's not unusual. Wareham is an exceptionally generous and giving community, who love giving back," said Ellyne Fleshner, regional retail manager for WS Development, Chestnut Hill, Mass., Wareham Crossing's owner and developer. "As a company, we support our merchants and our communities. So we're thrilled to help them celebrate and assist the unknown heroes serving their country overseas."