Free Christmas Food Basket Giveaway December 19

Hosted by Soroptimist International of Florence

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; open to public

Siuslaw Middle School, 2525 Oak St.

To donate, contact Carol Bennett at 541-991-3455

Letters to Santa

Kids of all ages can drop off letters to Santa Claus at the North Pole Express Mail Drop Box now through Dec. 20

Make sure to include mailing address so local elves can help Santa write back

Location: Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Center on Bay Street

Hosted by City of Florence and Florence Habitat for Humanity

For more information, go to ci.florence.or.us/community/

2020-home-holidays

Winter Solstice Lantern Walk

On Monday, Dec. 21, from 4:45 to 6 p.m., the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Walk will take place through Historic Old Town Florence. The group assembles — wearing both masks and weather-appropriate gear — at Bridgeport Market.

Bring lanterns, glow in the dark sticks, flashlights, light up toys, etc. Costumes, creativity, musical instruments, bells and whistles encouraged.

The walk will end at the Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Center.

Hosted by Serene Abundance Studio

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/SereneAbundance

Christmas Day Community Appreciation Dinner Dec. 25 — Christmas Day

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; open to public

The community is invited to drive by for a complimentary cooked Christmas dinner to take home and warm

Florence Elks Lodge #1858, 1686 12th St.; www.florenceelks.com

Books and DVDs at the Siuslaw Public Library to help with Holiday Stress, as well as low-cost recipes, crafts and family fun. Check these two printable lists, (Surviving Uncertain Times 2020 and Winter Holidays Bibliography) and then call the library (541-997-3132) to request up to three items per checkout. Staff will pull your selections if available, and you can pick them up in the lobby. See the Siuslaw Public Library District Home page for additional information on checkout and pick up procedures. Also, check out the library's Youtube site for video presentations of new holiday books and videos, as well as a special holiday concert this Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7pm.

Less Stressed Holidays A parent and child interactive video experience for managing stress and building healthy connections during the COVID-19 Holidays. Sponsored by Safe Families of Lane County. Sign up for a free, interactive video program, with a workbook and art supplies delivered to your door. For more information and to sign up, visit this site: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfptxMOqqmmTGG5fSSwS8cp1DTH70jlgQrXK8rpQNOq1AsfkQ/viewform

This list will be updated.