People, Places and Things: 12-24-14

Toy story in SwampscottMore than a week after Swampscott Police collected toys along the route of the annual Christmas Parade, officers continue to receive donations for Toys for Local Children (TLC). Pictured are store manager Jacek Bartoszewicki and Phyllis Masella from the Swampscott Stop & Shop in front of a large amount of toys donated to TLC.Christmas wish comes true for Lynn Air Force sergeant’s familyGlenda Baca and her children – Benjamin, Tucker and Sophia – are getting their Christmas wish: Their husband and father, U.S. Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. Christopher Baca, is scheduled to be home in Lynn tonight for Christmas after completing flight work at Westover Air Force base. The Baca children attend Lincoln-Thomson School. Army veteran Jeffrey Hollett stopped by the school on Dec. 12 to give Baca and her children copies of a book written by a veteran for the loved ones of veterans.”It’s a fantastic book. Chris got a chuckle when he saw a picture in it that kind of reminded him of Benjamin,” Glenda Baca said.Christopher Baca has served overseas flying Air Force transports, but his return home should provide time through the holidays and beyond with his family. Glenda Baca said he is not scheduled to fly until late January.You’re a good man, Charlie GaetaBelated happy birthday to Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Executive Director Charlie Gaeta, whose big day is just two days before Christmas. We won’t tell you how old he is, but he was in the Class of 1970 at St. Mary’s, so you can do the math if you are so inclined.Happy day at Boys & Girls ClubThe Boys and Girls Club celebrated the holidays with a party Tuesday, featuring food and activities, including a bounce house, arts and crafts, gingerbread house making and games. Members were also presented with gifts. Pictured above are Davonte Taggart, Mariama Koroma and Nestajah Graham.Sony re-gifts ?The Interview’ in limited Christmas releaseAssociated PressNEW YORK – “The Interview” was put back into theaters Tuesday when Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a limited Christmas Day theatrical release for the comedy that provoked an international incident with North Korea and outrage over its cancelled release.Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton said that Seth Rogen’s North Korea farce “will be in a number of theaters” beginning Thursday. He said Sony also is continuing its efforts to release the film on more platforms and in more theaters.”We have never given up on releasing ?The Interview,'” Lynton said in a statement Tuesday. “While we hope this is only the first step of the film’s release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech.”