Now thru mid-December

The Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots program wants to make sure that ALL kids have a toy is under the tree this year.  They are looking for gifts for babies, toddlers, school-age and teens.  Last year Southeast Minnesota Toys for Tots delivered toys to over 8,500 area kids so that they could experience the magic of Christmas.  Please consider purchasing a toy and dropping it off, unwrapped, at any of the area toy drop sites by mid-December.  You can find a list of locations on the link below.

Find out more here

Now thru Christmas

The Red Kettle Campaign is officially underway.  Look for the red kettles and listen for the ringing bells throughout our area.  All money donated at the red kettles stays in our area to help people in need of food, shelter or making sure kids can open up a gift on Christmas morning.  Any kind of monetary donation helps…from dollars to change.  You can also donate your time to ring bells for the Salvation Army.  Sign up with your family, friends or co-workers to ring.  It’s been proven that when someone is ringing a bell at a red kettle, more money is raised.  

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First three weekends in December

Chester Woods Park is hosting the Employers of Olmsted County Light Festival (ELF), a drive-thru holiday light experience over the first three weekends in December.  Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to sponsor and decorate campsites, contributing to the festive atmosphere.  Attendees can vote for their favorite displays during the ELF event…open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 5^th through the 21^st from 5 to 9pm.

Dec 9th from 6 to 7pm

A Free Mental Health Workshop is taking place at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on December 9th from 6 to 7pm.  It is being offered by Dr. Yolanda Segal, a licensed clinical psychologist. 

Find out more here

Dec 11th at 7pm at Byron High Performing Arts Center

The Rochester Community Band presents “A Winter’s Journey” on Thursday, December 11^th at 7pm at the Byron High School Performing Arts Center.  Come and join the band for a delightful evening of music, including “Sleigh Ride”, “A Christmas Festival”, “A Winter’s Journey” and more.  You can even wear your ugly sweater if you wish.  Admission is free.

Dec 21st at 7pm at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester

The Rochester Pops Orchestra presents “Making Spirits Bright” on Sunday, December 21^st at 7pm at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester.  Come and celebrate the holiday season with old and new musical selections.  There’s also an “ugly sweater” contest, so wear your ugliest sweater and audience members will vote for their favorites.  Tickets available now at rochesterpops.com  Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door beginning at 6:30pm that night.

The Mayo Clinic Blood Center is in need of life saving blood product. If you are healthy and well you can help. Schedule your appointment today they are open Mon-Friday 6:00am to 4:30pm call 284-4475. Donate blood. Save lives.

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The Boys & Girls Club of Rochester is an out-of-school program that empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring community members. Their membership is open to youth from K to Grade 12.

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