Southern Plains Behavioral Health is once again extending an invitation to their Christmas Wish Program! This program raises money and gifts to the less fortunate children and families in our area for Christmas. Items can be dropped off at Southern Plains anytime prior to Monday, December 12th.

The Toys for Tots Program is in it’s 25th year! Shopko in Winner is once again helping to spread the holiday cheer by collecting toy donations to benefit local children. Customers may donate new and unwrapped toys at any Shopko in South Dakota through the end of the day on Friday, December 9th.

A winter clothes and toy drive will be held at Turtle Creek Crossing Super Foods in Mission this Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4pm. Carlee Olson, current 2016 Miss Parmalee Rodeo Queen will be helping with the drive! If you would like more information or for items to be picked up you can call Carlee at 319-6863 or call Mary Olson at 828-1108.

You better watch out because Santa Claus will be visiting with children in White River this weekend! Santa will be in Mellette County on Saturday, December 10th from 2-4pm at the Mellette County Museum. In case the sleigh breaks down, Santa would be in White River the following Saturday, December 17th from 2-4pm. Come tell Santa what you want for the holidays and wish him a Merry Christmas!

Keep in mind that a blood drive will take place on Wednesday, December 14th at the Burke Civic Center! That drive will run from 11am-5pm. To make an appointment call Sharla at 208-1751. White Lake will be hosting a blood drive at the end of the month. Their blood drive will take place on Wednesday, December 28th from 2:30-6:15 at the White Lake American Legion. To make an appointment call Connie at 249-2421.

Keep in mind that the American Legion Post #90 in Valentine will meet on Wednesday, December 7th. The meeting will begin at 8pm at the Vets Club.  On Thursday, December 8th, the Valentine City Council will gather for a meeting in the meeting room of the Valentine Public Library in the heart city. To view upcoming events in Valentine, go to visitvalentine.org.

The Tripp County Commissioners invites everyone to put up a Christmas tree in the courthouse halls for the holiday season! Trees need to be put up by the end of the day this Thursday. There will be an open house on Friday, December 9th that features singing and treats! The open house will run from 5-7:30pm. Trees will need to be removed by January 2nd. To signup to put a tree up in the hallway you can call the Tripp County Extension Office at 605-842-2858.

A Caring Coats Project is taking place in Chamberlain-Oacoma! The community is collecting gently used and new coats of all sizes, vests, gloves, scarves, mittens, hats and blankets right now. You can drop off those items at Hair Expressions. If you have a coat to give then please leave a coat. If you need a coat, then you are encouraged to take a coat. For more information you can call 605- 234-6884.

There will be a blood drive in Butte, Nebraska on Tuesday, December 13th from 2-5:30pm at the Butte Community Center. To make an appointment call Phyllis at 402-832-5777. A blood drive is coming up in Burke on Wednesday, December 14th from 11am-5pm at the Civic Center. To make an appointment call Sharla at 208-1751.

Keep in mind that the American Legion Post #90 in Valentine will meet next Wednesday, December 7th. The meeting will begin at 8pm at the Vets Club. Next Thursday, December 8th, the Valentine City Council will gather for a meeting in the meeting room of the Valentine Public Library in the heart city. To view upcoming events in Valentine, go to visitvalentine.org.