Good morning, Springfield.

The Toy for Joy drive nears its Christmas Eve deadline as donations from the Ludlow chapter of American Veterans in Prison help reach a $125,000 goal (supporting children in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties).

More contributions are needed from local groups to meet the target.

Weed Man in Springfield announced its Grassroots Giving campaign collected 286 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, providing nearly 238 meals for local families.

It joined a national drive that gathered over 108,000 pounds of food from franchisees.

On Tuesday, Dec. 16, about 50 Springfield Public Schools students joined law enforcement for a 'Shop with a Cop' event at Walmart (Boston Road) where they selected holiday gifts.

Community partners supported the event to help bring Christmas cheer early.

BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for its 18th Difference Makers awards with a deadline Monday, Dec.

22 at 5 p.m.- call Natasha Mercado-Santana at 413-781-8600 ext. 100 for details on how local individuals and groups making a positive impact can be recognized.

6 Brick’s and Green Meadows continued their November partnership with the Patton Alliance for Veterans by donating $1 per select product sale, raising $6,550 and offering veterans a 10% discount throughout the month in Springfield.

The funds will support veteran initiatives (focused on physical and mental health challenges).

Charlie’s Diner in West Springfield will reopen in mid-to-end February after over a year of rebuilding following a fire; owner Michael Alfano said final work includes plumbing, electrical inspections + table installations.

Double J Western Store in West Springfield will close on Dec.

28 as owner Brenda Hodge retires, citing online trends and staffing issues as challenges. The store has served the community for 49 years selling boots, hats, and Western wear.

South End hosted its first Italian Christmas Market at Florian Park where officials lit the Christmas tree and local vendors sold Italian goods & families enjoyed carols and treats.

Mayor Sarno and community leaders celebrated the revival of cherished Italian heritage and culture.

Organizations in Northampton + Greenfield received a portion of $1.8M from the state's Farmland Partnership Program to create and update protection plans in four western counties and help farmers adapt to climate change.

The Healey Administration launched the grants to safeguard local farmland.

Springfield residents are urged to enroll via the Massachusetts Health Connector by Dec.

23 for coverage starting Jan. 1. Health leaders note that gig workers, newcomers and uninsured individuals may qualify for premium help through ConnectorCare — local experts are available at Caring Health Center.

Pet owners are urged to secure holiday decorations, trash, and edible items like onions and mistletoe to keep pets safe as Christmas approaches.

Experts recommend enrichment activities to help pets relax and note to call poison control (888) 426-4435 if a pet consumes something toxic.

The city council voted to let the mayor transfer a dilapidated six-story building at 135-155 Lyman St. to BAR Belmont LLC for $544,000 as part of a neighborhood redevelopment plan.

The property received four bids and may soon be repurposed for community uses (marking a shift in local development).

Colebrook Realty Services announced the sale of the 465 North Main St. property — formerly a TD Bank branch — to UMassFive College Federal Credit Union for $2 million.

The 2,800 sqft building sits on more than 0.6 acres in East Longmeadow and remains under local ownership.

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.

ROAR! New Year's Eve Showcase

6-9 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket required — Enjoy a night of laughs with local comedians as you countdown to 2026.