Good morning, Reading.

Reading Fire Dept. is hosting its 17th annual toy drive today & offering residents a free breakfast with each new toy donation.

Betty, a single mom studying early childhood education, has faced long bus rides and food shortages after SEPTA service cuts, and she will benefit from Operation Holiday (a 35-year community program) which is partnering with 21 agencies to support nearly 200 families this season.

Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys in Wyomissing donated toys for more than two dozen kids to Safe Berks on Friday morning.

The nonprofit will use the gifts to support families + help survivors begin a new journey during the holiday season.

Reading's Pagoda will blink its red LED lights (new and energy-efficient) at 9 p.m. Dec.

24 for the first time since 2021 amid nearly complete restoration. The custom signals bedtime for children and marks the return of a cherished local tradition.

Four Berks projects received $408,000 in grants from the Community Financing Authority to boost local amenities.

Funds include $183,600 for skatepark lighting in Reading, $143,403 for an Oysterville Creek project in Pike Township, $68,986 for a pedestrian loop in Spring Township, and $12,452 for a playground in Wernersville.

Tower Health has achieved Magnet designation for nursing excellence for the third time, with Reading Hospital & its teams recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

It first earned the honor in 2016 and was redesignated in 2021.

Weis Markets Registered Dietitian Emily Santanna shared holiday recipes that offer easy, healthy ideas for festive entertaining — her tips are designed to simplify meal planning and add a delicious touch to gatherings.

The Wilson Bulldogs overcame a slow start to beat Reading High 52-44 Friday night at The Geigle in a Berks County Division 1 game.

Senior Correll Akings led key scores & rebounds as the young team boosted its season confidence.

On Friday night, Gov. Mifflin won 49-32 over Daniel Boone with Ian Fleming scoring 19 points, while Berks Catholic beat Muhlenberg 69-55 as Kingston McKoy added 40 points; Fleetwood and Wyomissing also won tight BCIAA games.

The teams improved their records as local fans cheered the competitive action.

World Ballet Company's The Nutcracker

1:00 – 2:30 PM — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices may vary — Experience a magical ballet performance this holiday season.

Norfolk Admirals vs. Reading Royals

4-5:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Group tickets starting at $10 — Catch the thrilling action as the Admirals take on the Royals in this exciting hockey matchup.

Gary Owen Live Comedy Show

8-10 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets required — Experience two decades of sharp observational humor and fearless storytelling from comedian Gary Owen.

Greensboro Gargoyles vs. Reading Royals Hockey Game

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Watch on FloHockey — Cheer for your favorite team in this exciting hockey matchup.