Good morning, Longview.

Local groups are offering help to families in need this Christmas by hosting donation drives — including Havertys/Newgate, the Salvation Army and Buckner Children and Family Services — where residents can donate gifts, cash or food.

Donations must be dropped off by set deadlines, with Havertys/Newgate at 1101 W. Loop 281 accepting items by December 15 and Buckner Children and Family Services accepting items until December 12.

On Small Business Saturday, local store owner Stacey Smith sold candles, fragrances and lip balm while urging shoppers to support local makers.

Several vendors at The Platform Longview (downtown) participated, and many customers chose unique gifts that kept money in the local economy.

The Carlisle Indians lost 29-7 to the Hamilton Bulldogs in the 2A-DI Region II semifinal on Friday—ending their season.

Turnovers and a missed field goal marked the game—while a promising junior class under Coach Clay Baker is set to return next season.

The Newton Eagles beat the Troup Tigers 46-13 in a Class 3A Division II regional semifinal at Monte Jack Driskell Stadium on November 30—Troup ended its season at 12-1 and Newton will face Arp in the Region III final on Friday at 7 p.m. on John Outlaw Memorial Field in Lufkin.

Tyler Legacy won a 53-28 non-district basketball game against Hallsville at the Tyler Legacy Varsity Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.

Brice Foster scored a game-high 14 points with four third-quarter 3-pointers — his play shifted Legacy’s lead from a 23-8 halftime score to 42-22 after three quarters, and coach Kyle Smith praised the team’s 15 assists on 22 field goals as they prepare for their Tuesday game at Tyler High at 7:30 p.m.

Peppermint Land Holiday Expo

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Longview Exhibit Center — Free entry with RSVP — Celebrate the festive season with shopping, food, and enchanting holiday characters.

Longview Code and Coffee Meetup

2-4 p.m. — Silver Grizzly Espresso — Free entry — A relaxed environment to code, learn, and sip coffee with fellow developers.

Bright! A Season of Lights

5:30 p.m. — Longview Arboretum and Nature Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical walk-through winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights and festive music.