Good morning, Springfield.

Today, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center is holding its annual Giving Tuesday donation event to waive adoption fees up to $2K and match donations to raise nearly $20K for medical expenses—staff encourage volunteers and donations of wet pet food.

The 16th annual March for the Food Bank wrapped up yesterday in western Massachusetts as participants joined the first-ever Berkshires Mini March and heard from Governor Maura Healey about challenges with SNAP benefits and hunger.

Additional support measures were announced, including two music events in Northampton tonight and Friday.

Freedom Credit Union is rallying members, employees & the public with two initiatives to collect winter clothing and gifts that will support local neighbors this holiday season.

Donations for winter coats and clothing are accepted through Dec. 18, and those who want to sponsor a family can drop off new, unwrapped gifts by Dec. 11 to help over 600 local children served by Clinical & Support Options.

BJ's Wholesale Club will open its first new location in Massachusetts in 13 years on Dec.

12 at Springfield Crossing’s 100,000-square-foot store at the old Eastfield Mall site—hiring 100 to 150 new workers. The store will offer a tire and auto center and is part of a shopping center that will also include retailers like Target, Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby.

In Springfield, USPS advises shippers to mail holiday packages by December 17 for ground and first class mail—while Priority and Express mail require shipping by December 18 and December 20 respectively—and local shipping managers warn that reduced staffing may lead to long lines.

Customers are urged to act early so their gifts arrive on time.

Springfield Performing Arts Ventures at 52 Sumner—an event space in a former church now used as a preschool by day—received preliminary Planning Board approval for a full liquor license to boost its after-hours shows, including weddings and tribute band events on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue now awaits review from the License Commission and state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission before it can serve alcohol at its growing lineup of events.

Blippi, the YouTube children’s star, will take the stage at Springfield Symphony Hall Friday at 6 p.m. during his Join the Band Tour—featuring live interactive performances and a special photo experience for young fans.

Little River Band is set to perform at MGM Springfield's Aria Ballroom on Saturday, February 28—tickets go on sale on December 5 at 10 a.m.

Grammy winner Trisha Yearwood will perform her Christmastime tour at Springfield Symphony Hall on Saturday at 7 p.m.—she will be joined by local orchestras including the Springfield Symphony Orchestra to present selections from her new album Christmastime.

Theresa Caputo from Long Island Medium will return to Springfield Symphony Hall on May 29 as part of her new tour — Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience — where she will use her gift to connect fans with past loved ones.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, December 5 on MGM Springfield’s website.

Fifty years ago, reenactors marched with cannons during the bicentennial to honor Henry Knox’s journey transporting artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston—with vivid memories that locals still share.

This year, a series of events will mark the historic route, including a Jan. 17 gathering at the Springfield Armory—where Knox once recruited teamsters for his campaign.

On Nov 25, the Sullivan family donated $38,820.68 to Baystate Health’s D’Amour Center for Cancer Care through Jessy’s Fight—with funds raised from a rescheduled golf tournament and a 10-year marketing anniversary fundraiser—to support cancer patients and families in Western Mass.

ROAR! Comedy: Todd Barry

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets required — Experience an evening of laughter with comedian Todd Barry, known for his wit and TV appearances.

Teddy Bear Toss Night

6:05-7:35 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices fluctuate — Bring a new teddy bear and toss it onto the ice after the first goal for a charitable cause.

5th Annual Kringle Market

10 AM – 4 PM — Nosh Café and Restaurant — $2 at the door — Celebrate the holidays with local artisans, festive food, and community spirit at this vibrant market.

Holiday Sip & Shop

4:30-7:30 p.m. — Mercedes-Benz of Springfield — No entry fee — Enjoy festive refreshments while shopping local gifts and test driving Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Winter in Watercolor Workshop

10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $110, $94 for Members — Explore winter landscapes in watercolor with guidance from artist Andrea Mackin.

MGM Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame Classic

4:30-7 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling basketball classic featuring UMass vs. Boston College and Yale vs. UAlbany in the birthplace of basketball.

Polish Christmas Decorations: Design, History, and Meaning

12:15-1:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $4 for residents, FREE for members — Discover the vibrant history and craft of Polish Christmas decorations with artist Susan Urban.

Breakfast with Santa

9-11 a.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket price supports local charity — Enjoy a festive breakfast while meeting Santa and supporting a good cause.

25th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees

10 AM – 5 PM — MassMutual Center — Support local youth programs while enjoying a delightful display of beautifully decorated trees.

New England's Funniest Comedy Showcase

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience a night of big laughs and fresh voices from New England's top comics.