Montgomery County Sheriff Rand Henderson, The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and community partners are partnering for the 4th Annual Community Christmas Toy Drive, “Operation Blue Elf.”

Now, through December 6th, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help to make Christmas better for our communities’ children in need by donating new, unwrapped toys at one of many drop off locations throughout Montgomery County including Guaranty Bank & Trust. Learn more

Drop Off Location: Guaranty Bank & Trust located at 244 South Loop 336 West, Conroe, TX 77304    Learn more

Drop off toys at any of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office stations. Donation boxes are set up in each district office as well as cash donation boxes. Click here for a list of drop off stations. If you would prefer to make a charitable donation via PayPal you can do so by visiting www.operationblueelf.com.

The 2020 Co-chairs for The John Cooper School’s 16^th Annual Signatures Author Series, Malin Melin and Lisa Hollingsworth, are pleased to announce that two-time National Book Award winner and bestselling author, Jesmyn Ward, will be this year’s featured author.

“Negotiations were finalized in early April for Ms. Ward to be our keynote author and the date has been confirmed for Friday, December 4 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center,” Hollingsworth said. “We are very much looking forward to hearing Ms. Ward speak about the important and insightful topics she has shared through her diverse works,” Melin said.

Reservations for the Signatures Author Series will go on sale online on July 1 at www.johncooper.org/signatures for this highly anticipated luncheon event. Early registration for table sponsorships and individual reservations are recommended for best seating. A virtual ticket option is also available.

Grand Central Park will collect pet supply donations for Operation Pets Alive during a weekend drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6, at The Finding Place, 170 Town Park Drive in Conroe. The wish list of supplies can be found at GrandCentralParktx.com. Potential pet parents can also view adoptable dogs and cats throughout November and December during our virtual pet adoption event! Grand Central Park will cover all adoption fees for the featured pets. Head to our website for more details and to register to win a $500 Chewy.com gift card and make donations to Operation Pets Alive. Grand Central Park will match donations up to $2,500.

Learn more at https://www.grandcentralparktx.com/furever

Get your jingle on at the MOST FUN & FESTIVE holiday fun-run around – all to battle the #1 cause of disability!

Though the Arthritis Foundation’s 2020 Jingle Bell Run is going virtual, don’t let that stop you from jingling. Join the original festive race for charity from anywhere! Whether you want to run your favorite 5K route, challenge yourself to something new or get moving on your treadmill, you can strut your stuff and FEEL GOOD about DOING GOOD. Every runner will receive an exclusive Jingle Bell Run short sleeve t-shirt, unique medal, and sticker for your water bottle or laptop!

It is more important now than ever to Jingle with us and support the Arthritis Foundation programs and services going strong. Thanks to generous supporters, we’re helping 75% more people than before the pandemic get the help they urgently need. Together, we’re investing in virtual and vital resources and programs for the millions of adults and children challenged by arthritis — to help them navigate these difficult times and access necessary care.

We just CAN’T STOP JINGLING — so let’s jingle all the way to a cure together and have a great time along the way! Get your jingle on and spread the Spirit of Yes: Yes to celebrating the arthritis community. Yes to living life to the fullest. And Yes to conquering arthritis for good.

For more help or information about the 2020 Jingle Bell Run – Houston, TX contact Jen Torres at jtorres@arthritis.org or call 713-253-0688.

Learn more about Community Honorees, Roger & Natalie Goertz, by visiting their team page: https://events.arthritis.org/team/goertz

Event Information

The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability.

Event Schedule

• Virtual Race December 11, 2020 – December 13, 2020

Jingle Bell Run Pricing

5K Virtual Registration – Includes exclusive Jingle Bell Run short sleeve t-shirt, unique medal, and sticker for your water bottle or laptop! Register before November 1 to receive your race swag before virtual race weekend!

• $35 – September 12 – December 13
• Online registration closes December 13, 2020

Registration fees and donations cannot be refunded. Your fundraising dollars are put to work immediately and enable the Arthritis Foundation to continue critical programs and services in our community.

Read more at https://hellowoodlands.com/the-jingle-bell-run-walk-returns-to-assist-all-affected-by-arthritis/

The 2020 Virtual Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will continue through December 31 to give art lovers and gift givers the opportunity to shop for beautiful art pieces including jewelry, paintings, drawings, apparel and accessories, unique pens and journals, photography, clay and wood works and mixed media. More than 80 juried artists are participating in the Festival Marketplace, where you can engage with the artists directly by ZOOM call, watch their videos, visit their social media and websites, and purchase their art in one easy process.

Learn More: hellowoodlands.com/virtual-woodlands-waterway-arts-festival-extended-for-holiday-shopping

Celebrating 31 years Running for a Cause, the YMCA Run Thru the Woods is an annual Thanksgiving tradition in South Montgomery County. Out of an abundance of caution, this year’s annual YMCA Run Thru the Woods has been transitioned into a virtual event for 2020.

Designed for a wide variety of participants, Run Thru the Woods categories include a 1 mile Children’s Race, for ages 12 and under; a 5 mile Race; a 3 Mile Race and the 3 Mile Walk. New this year includes a 10 Mile Race; Super Triple 18 Mile Challenge; and a Team Challenge which is designed for running/training groups, social running groups, corporate teams and family/friends teams. The team component gives runners a way to share the experience with their running friends. Due to self-isolation and social distancing, many runners are craving the connection and community. They miss their “Running Buddies.” Team members tally their race times together to qualify for the fastest team award.

Beginning November 20 and throughout the holiday season, the Christmas tree’s synchronized light and musical display will dazzle as it “performs” daily every hour on the hour, beginning at 5:00 pm through 9:00 pm. This year’s celebration will kick off Friday, November 20 at 5:00 pm, when a taped video honoring our community’s healthcare workers will debut on Market Street’s social media channels. Guests are invited to enjoy the festive light display daily in Central Park from one of the marked social distance circles. The giant tree is a perfect backdrop for videos and photos. Learn More and discover more Market Street events: www.hellowoodlands.com/market-street-announces-holiday-festivities-and-events.

Santa Claus is heading back at Market Street this year in a beautiful Santa’s workshop-themed setting located next to Tory Burch beginning November 21. Santa’s set is specially designed so that he and his young guests remain at a safe distance. No masks are required, but reservations must be made in advance. Sponsored by Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands, Santa Claus images can be purchased on-site with a safe, touchless point-of-sale. Learn More and discover more holiday events at Market Street: www.hellowoodlands.com/market-street-announces-holiday-festivities-and-events.

YES to YOUTH – Montgomery County Youth Services is debuting a Christmas tree shopping experience at Market Street beginning November 21. Twelve themed, completely decorated 9-foot Christmas trees will be available for purchase via online auction beginning November 21 through December 18. Proceeds from the sale will benefit YES to YOUTH’s mission to strengthen the emotional and mental health development of youth and families by providing crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention services.

Learn More: www.hellowoodlands.com/yes-to-youth-hosts-christmas-tree-holiday-pop-up-at-market-street

Come SOAR with us! The Woodlands Methodist School will be accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year beginning December 20, 2010. Find more information, visit http://bit.ly/TWMSchool and schedule a tour by calling 281.822.8220.

Applications for preschool, lower and middle school are currently being accepted for 2020-2021 school year on a first-come, first served basis.

Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will be accepted beginning December 1, 2020.

Assessments are required for applicants in lower and middle school grades and may be required for Preschool applicants.

Students are placed in classes based on their age as of September 1 of the current school year, consistent with Texas public school placement.

The Woodlands Methodist School provides an exceptional, Christian education for all ages from 18 months through 8th grade. Learn more at twmschool.org

Event Dates:

• Friday, October 9
• Friday, November 6
• Friday, December 4

This fun family adventure will have you wishing for a kayak under the tree this holiday season! Participants will depart from Riva Row Boat House in search of presents on our local shores.

Ages: All (recommended for 10 and under). All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fee: $40 per tandem (2 person) kayak.

Due to COVID-19, Township Parks and Recreation facilities, programs, services and events are subject to change, modification and/or cancellation to ensure compliance with respective State of Texas, Montgomery County and/or Harris County declarations and/or Township Board of Directors.

The Woodlands Family YMCA will host their monthly mobile market in the parking lot at Generations Church starting around 9:00 am. Located at 405 Rayford Road in Spring, patrons will drive thru each station, never leaving their vehicles. Boxes of food will be loaded into their cars by volunteers and YMCA Staff. Each family could receive an assortment of fresh produce, dry/canned goods, frozen meat, breads/desserts etc. based on availability. Learn More: HelloWoodlands.com/YMCA-to-host-Monthly-Mobile-Market-at-Generations-Church.

This fun family adventure will have you wishing for a kayak under the tree this holiday season! Participants will depart from Riva Row Boat House in search of presents on our local shores.

Ages: All (recommended for 10 and under). All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fee: $40 per tandem (2 person) kayak.

Due to COVID-19, Township Parks and Recreation facilities, programs, services and events are subject to change, modification and/or cancellation to ensure compliance with respective State of Texas, Montgomery County and/or Harris County declarations and/or Township Board of Directors.

This fun family adventure will have you wishing for a kayak under the tree this holiday season! Participants will depart from Riva Row Boat House in search of presents on our local shores.

Ages: All (recommended for 10 and under). All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fee: $40 per tandem (2 person) kayak.

Due to COVID-19, Township Parks and Recreation facilities, programs, services and events are subject to change, modification and/or cancellation to ensure compliance with respective State of Texas, Montgomery County and/or Harris County declarations and/or Township Board of Directors.