Good morning, Springfield.

Way Finders and First Student are hosting a Stuff the Bus drive tomorrow at Boston Road Walmart.

The event accepts new, unwrapped toys for children and donations to help families in local homeless shelters (all ages welcome).

Monson Savings Bank is hosting its annual toy drive now through Dec.

13 to collect new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0-12; donations can be dropped off at branches in Monson, Hampden, Wilbraham, Ware, and East Longmeadow.

On Nov. 16, Walk-Bike Springfield organized a memorial at Central Library using 35 pairs of yellow shoes to honor Hampden County crash victims (35 fatalities were recorded this year).

The event highlighted calls for safer streets through improved crosswalks and traffic calming measures.

Federal funds for low-income home energy assistance were released Tuesday after a month-long delay, allowing the Valley Opportunity Council to begin processing pending applications as arctic cold spreads.

The council will send eligibility letters to affected households soon to help families stay warm.

Chick-fil-A will open on Dec.

11 at 6:30 a.m. at the old Eastfield Mall site on Boston Road in Springfield Crossing; the restaurant will offer dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out + mobile ordering and feature a cow spots day with free meal redemption and a $25,000 donation to Feeding America.

Six young adults graduated Thursday from the Hampden County D.A.'s Emerging Adult Court of Hope program at Springfield District Court — the largest class in the program's five-year history.

The four-year initiative offers support for 18- to 24-year-olds breaking cycles of adversity as they launch new careers.

Federal LIHEAP funding was released Tuesday after a month-long delay + Valley Opportunity Council is now accepting applications to help low-income families pay heating bills amid freezing temperatures, and pending applications will be processed within a couple of weeks.

As winter and holiday gatherings approach, local health experts warn that respiratory infections like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 may increase.

Dr. Esteban DelPilar (attending physician at Baystate Medical Center) said residents should get vaccinated and maintain good hand hygiene to stay safe.

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.

Harlem Globetrotters

7-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Tickets from $46 — Experience the unforgettable antics and incredible basketball skills of the Harlem Globetrotters.