Good morning, Lubbock.

A Lubbock family is collecting toys for children at UMC Children’s Hospital with its annual drive, Stuff the Van with Allie and Cole, to brighten the holidays.

People can donate from the family’s Amazon wish list until December 2 and the children will deliver the toys on December 4 (nearly 1,800 toys have been donated over five years).

Caleb's Closet in Lubbock warned residents to leave donation drop-off items untouched—misuse harms children in foster care and local families who rely on these supplies.

The charity stressed that taking items is considered theft under Texas law and reduces essential support to those in need.

Lubbock locals are turning parking lots at stores like Target and Walmart into pet adoption spots for stray kittens and puppies—rescuing the animals during late-night shopping trips.

The community is urged to spay or neuter new pets to help limit the stray population.

Santa Claus has arrived at South Plains Mall to set up his winter home — greeting families with free visits and seasonal photo ops through December 24.

The mall hosts special events like Santa Paws Mondays, PJ Parties Tuesdays, Baby’s First Wednesdays and Cowboy Claus Returns to mark the holiday season.

One year after Evans Middle School cheerleaders were burned while doing crab walks and bear crawls in the hot sun, five families are suing Lubbock ISD and a coach was fired for failing to ensure proper safety during exercises.

The case has renewed focus on student safety and accountability in school athletics—prompting ongoing community discussions.

Linda Johnson, a legally blind teacher at Hutchison Middle School, is one class away from her bachelor’s degree but faces a $5,700 balance that stops her from enrolling for the next term—she hopes community support will help her graduate.

She has spent 15 years teaching students who learn differently and remains determined to finish her studies.

Texas Tech’s Board of Regents welcomed Chancellor-elect Brandon Creighton as he prepares to lead the university system next week—Dr. Tedd Mitchell, who retired after 16 years of service, will now serve as a consultant and president emeritus for the Health Science Center.

Lubbock city officials mourn Jim Bertram, a longtime city planner and architect who passed away on Tuesday—his projects include the Canyon Lakes System, Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, Interstate 27 and Marsha Sharp Freeway.

City Manager Jarrett Atkinson said Bertram’s vision and dedication shaped the city’s development for decades.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Women's Basketball vs. Arkansas Lady Razorbacks

1-3:30 p.m. — United Supermarkets Arena — Ticket prices may vary — Catch an exciting college women's basketball matchup as Texas Tech takes on Arkansas.

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Women's Basketball

6:00-7:30 p.m. — United Supermarkets Arena — Check local listings for tickets — Witness an exciting women's college basketball showdown between the Bulldogs and Red Raiders.

Indie Rock Night for OCRA

6-11 p.m. — Jake's Sports Cafe — Free entry — Enjoy a night of local and visiting indie rock bands supporting a great cause.

New Orleans Privateers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Basketball

12:00 – 1:30 PM — United Supermarkets Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch the action as the Red Raiders face off against the Privateers in an exciting basketball matchup.

Utah Utes vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Women's Volleyball

1-2:30 p.m. — United Supermarkets Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting women's volleyball match featuring the Utah Utes and Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Wyoming Cowboys vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Basketball

2-3:30 p.m. — United Supermarkets Arena — Tickets available — Catch the Wyoming Cowboys in action against the Red Raiders in an electrifying basketball showdown.

Wichita State Shockers vs. Texas Tech Lady Raiders Women's Basketball

6:00 – 7:30 PM — United Supermarkets Arena — Cost varies — Watch the excitement as the Lady Raiders take on the Shockers in an intense basketball matchup.

Michael Bublé Tribute with Scott Keo

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — $30-$65 — Experience the magic of Bublé’s Christmas classics performed live by premier tribute artist Scott Keo.

Lubbock December Conquest Tournament

10 AM – 4 PM — Stormcrow Games — $15 — Join fellow gamers in an epic tournament open to all skill levels in Lubbock.

West Texas Jazz Orchestra Concert

3:00-5:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — Adults: $25 / Students: $15 — Celebrate Pearl Harbor and the holiday season with live jazz music at a historic venue.