By Melinda L. LucasWhile the days of poring over a catalog of Christmas toys are long gone, children are still making lists for Santa.The Albany News will be printing Santa letters and holiday essays in the Christmas issue to be published on Thursday, Dec. 22.

By Sam WallerLocal churches are making plans for Christmas services and programs as the holiday draws near.With Christmas on a Sunday for the first time since 2016, several local congregations are making plans for their celebration of the birth of Jesus.

By Sam WallerThe Big Country East Fellowship of Christian Athletes is sponsoring a “Praise & Worship Rally” at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 at The Feed Store.Junior high and high school students from Albany, Moran, Baird, Cisco, Breckenridge, Woodson, Throckmorton, and Newcastle are invited.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chest drew slightly closer to its fundraising goal of $47,000 over the past week.As of Tuesday, Nov. 29, the fund had collected $16,047.61 for the 2022 campaign, up less than $500 from the last report two weeks ago.

By Sam WallerThe deadline for providing items to Believe Tree for Teens has been extended to Tuesday, Dec. 13, according to Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins, with the Believe Trees to be placed in churches this weekend.Wilkins had originally planned to have the trees in place by Nov.

By Sam WallerWith the Albany Lion football playoff game changed to Saturday, Nov. 26, the annual Toys for Tots meal during Small Town Saturday had a smaller than expected crowd but still did good business, Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty said.

By Sam WallerPreparations for the winter stock show season continue with the conclusion of swine validation and entry deadline for major shows on Thursday, Dec. 1 (today).

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H is gearing up for a busy December with practice, clinics, and a Christmas party on the scheduleUp first is a mock Food Challenge at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at The Feed Store.

By Sam WallerApplications for the Albany Ministerial Alliance’s Christmas Basket program are down slightly this year, according to Alliance secretary Tisha Wilkins.Wilkins said the Alliance received 92 applications this year, the first time since 2018 the number has been below 100.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H is gearing up for a busy December with practice, clinics, and a Christmas party on the scheduleUp first is a mock Food Challenge at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at The Feed Store.