Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Collections for Operation Christmas Child will take place from November 17th through the 24th at several local churches in St. Joseph — shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items will be put together for children around the world.

Ekaterina Haselden, who recalled the life-changing gift she received in a Soviet orphanage, said the program also offers a twelve-lesson journey about Jesus' love.

St. Joseph veteran Lawrence Ralston celebrated his 101st birthday as community members honored his World War II service.

He is the last living member of Company K of the 115th Infantry Division — his story was shared by local author Milton Toratti.

Purina and River Bluff Brewing raised nearly $21,000 for Friends of the Animal Shelter during the Raise a Pint for Pets campaign in August and September — with Purina covering adoption fees for nine pets and Arrowhead Red sales adding to the donation.

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is preparing for Shop St. Joe, a local event where businesses including restaurants can join and residents can win $10,000 or a $2,500 prize.

The celebration will begin November 12th—merchants are invited to register for the event.

St. Joseph officials will hold a safety fair on Saturday at College Hill Park from noon to 4 p.m., where police, fire, and public works will offer free smoke detectors and help with heavy item disposal to lower crime and beautify the area.

The St. Joseph Health Department reminded residents that open burning of dry yard waste is allowed in April and November if fires occur between 8am and 6pm, are in a container no larger than 55 gallons, kept at least 15 feet from any building, and fully extinguished by 6pm.

Fire calls will be non-emergencies unless a building is threatened (firefighting equipment must be on site) and a temporary ban may be imposed (if weather conditions worsen).

Nightmare Before Geekmas

7-10 p.m. — Club Geek — Cost info not specified — Sing along with The Nightmare Before Christmas at this fun annual screening event.

Soaring with Kindness Skydiving Fundraiser

1-5 p.m. — Noyes Home For Children — Raise at least $500 to jump — A thrilling skydiving event benefiting children’s services in St. Joseph.

Witches Tea

12-5 p.m. — Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art — $40 — Enjoy a magical and mysterious Halloween tradition with tea and enchanting experiences.

Halloween Party & Costume Contest

7 p.m. — Do It A’Ginn Event Hall — $15 entry or $25 per couple — Celebrate Halloween with a costume contest and enjoy snacks and BYOB fun.

Sugarplum Festival

5-4 p.m. — Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art — Free entry — Celebrate the season with handcrafted goods, local delicacies, and unique gifts at this beloved holiday fair.

Footloose: The Musical

7-9 PM — Central High School, St Joseph, MO — Tickets available — Experience the energetic journey of a young man fighting against the ban on dancing in a small town.

Wine & Beer Walk

12-4 p.m. — Allied Arts Council — Tickets required — Sip, shop, and stroll through Downtown St. Joseph with tastings and entertainment from over 40 locations.

Mamma Mania - ABBA Tribute

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Performing Arts Association — Cost not specified — Experience the high-energy tribute to ABBA with dazzling costumes and timeless hits from the 1970s.

MIAA Volleyball Championship

12 PM – 8 PM — St. Joseph Civic Arena — Passes required — Come witness thrilling volleyball matches as teams compete for the MIAA championship title.