Good morning, Monroe.

The Center for Children & Families reported that over 1,200 Northeast Louisiana children need help as the holiday season nears—local groups plan to boost support for struggling families.

From November 17-24, Operation Christmas Child invites families, churches, and local organizations to drop off shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items at designated sites across Northeast Louisiana—local churches will collect and prepare the boxes for shipment to children in need.

Allison, a mother of three from Centerton, Ark., began baking bread to help families whose SNAP benefits expired during the government shutdown — she is motivated by concern for hungry children.

Her church's women’s group donated nearly $400 and essential supplies like butter, sugar, and flour to support local food banks — her Facebook post has received 7,550 clicks.

Downtown West Monroe will host the holiday display Land of Lights starting November 20, offering a free walk-through filled with three built-in photo stations—special Saturday night character appearances will add extra cheer.

The event begins nightly at 5:30 p.m. and runs until January 1.

Rouses Markets announced that it will acquire 10 grocery stores from Southeastern Grocers in Louisiana and Mississippi — all stores will be rebranded and remodeled by early 2026 — and encouraged current Winn-Dixie employees to join its team.

Jo Ann Deal from the Better Business Bureau in Monroe warned businesses on Good Morning ArkLaMiss—explaining that common scams during the holiday season have caused concerns.

Madison James Foster Elementary School opened the Serving With a Purpose Resource Center on Friday—providing free clothes, toiletries, baby items, toys and more to help students in need.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Cavell— a West Ouachita High School graduate—returned to Mayport after a four-month deployment with the USS St. Louis that operated along the southern border.

He served as an electronics technician and his ship arrived at Naval Station Mayport on November 10.

Brokers of Hope — a branch of The Center for Children & Families in Union Parish — was named Louisiana’s top rural health program for 2025 by the Louisiana Rural Health Association on Nov.

13. It supports families facing challenges like poverty, transportation, and rural isolation and has served 242 clients while completing 470 work orders since Nov. 1, 2024.

TCB Nutcracker Tea & Matinee

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Monroe Civic Center — Children 2 and under are free — Enjoy breakfast with Clara and the Nutcracker cast followed by a delightful matinee performance.

Monroe Jingle Bell Run

7-11 a.m. — Forsythe Park — Registration fee applies — Celebrate the season with a festive 5K and Half-Marathon while promoting community fitness.

Newsong Christmas Volunteer Event

3:30-7 p.m. — Ouachita Parish High School — Free entry — Spread some holiday cheer by volunteering at this community-driven Christmas event.