In brief: Millwood lights Christmas tree Friday

MILLWOOD – The city of Millwood’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is Friday beginning at 6 p.m. on the front lawn of the Inland Empire Paper Company, 3320 N. Argonne Road.

Santa will be handing out candy canes and a group of West Valley High School students will serenade the crowd. Company Ballet Dance Group will perform.

Free cookies and hot chocolate will be available for all who attend. The event is open to the public. For additional information, call Shirene Young at (509) 924-1911, ext. 309.

Valerie Putnam

Gifts sought for Season of Sharing

SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane Valley Partners is asking for donations of new, unwrapped gifts and stocking stuffers for children up to age 18 for its annual Season of Sharing program for low-income families.

Gifts appropriate for teens, including gift cards, are most in demand. Donations of wrapping paper, bows and bags of candy are also needed. Cash donations are also welcome.

Donations should be dropped off by Dec. 12 at Valley fire stations, Modern Electric, Vera Water and Power or Spokane Valley Partners at 10814 E. Broadway Ave.

Gift distribution is scheduled for Dec. 16 and 17 at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church. Families wishing to receive gifts must pre-register before Friday. Families must show proof of residency, proof of income and identification for all family members. Call (509) 927-1153 for more information.

Nina Culver

11,000 families helped in drive

SPOKANE/WHITMAN COUNTY – Tom’s Turkey Drive helped feed more than 11,000 families in need this Thanksgiving.

More than 11,000 meals were purchased at Spokane, Deer Park, and Colfax area Rosauers Supermarkets this past Friday and Saturday. The meals included a turkey and all the trimmings to feed a family of four.

Tom’s Turkey Drive celebrated its 10th year and raised $95,000 to donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Rainey Coffin