Good morning, Monroe.

Operation Christmas Child is celebrating National Collection Week in Monroe and residents are encouraged to pack shoeboxes with gifts for children in need.

Donations can be dropped off at locations like the Baptist Church on Whites Ferry Road — with new points added at North Monroe Baptist and Philadelphia Word of God Center, and contributions may also be made online.

Raising Cane’s began selling A Christmas Story-inspired plush puppies yesterday to raise funds for local animal welfare organizations & donate $100,000 to the Bissell Pet Foundation.

The plush is available in stores & online until December 31 while supplies last, supporting groups like PAWS of Northeast Louisiana Spay and Neuter Clinic.

The Powerhouse Arts Center will host its season finale today with free admission (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) and the show begins at 6 p.m. (a re-airing is set for 7 p.m. on MPB Think Radio).

The City of Monroe said that water from the local bayou tastes and smells different because of seasonal turnover but is still safe to drink and meets all quality standards.

City officials are optimizing chemical feed rates—adding extra treatment steps to keep the water quality high.

LifeShare Blood Center says a shortage of blood donations is expected as the holidays approach and it needs more O-negative and O-positive donations to save lives.

The Monroe Moccasins will partner with LifeShare for a drive on Nov. 24 at the Monroe Civic Center from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where donors should bring an unwrapped toy worth at least $10 to support Toys for Tots.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has provided six tips to help families plan a dementia-friendly Thanksgiving — including advice on timing celebrations and setting aside a quiet space — to ease anxiety for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and related conditions.

Local families are encouraged to adjust routines and ask for help to make holiday gatherings more comfortable.

St. Francis earned accreditation from the ACGME to launch its new Family Medicine Residency Program that will train future doctors—designed to meet growing local health needs.

The program will open soon to serve local patients.

The Monroe Moccasins return home this weekend for three games, with officials expecting a hard-fought contest against Athens as the team aims to finally beat the Rock Lobsters — a Rolex giveaway will reward one lucky fan.

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.

The Nutcracker - World Ballet Company Performance

6-7:30 p.m. — WL Jack Howard Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas with this enchanting ballet filled with beautifully choreographed performances and a whimsical storyline.