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Many in Springfield were unhappy with the district's decision to remain open yesterday. They responded saying, "“As the day progressed, we heard from some who were unhappy with the decision and others who felt it was the right call. We appreciate everyone who reached out and value the feedback as we continue striving to make thoughtful decisions.”

Providence Ministries is providing assistance to those affected by recent fires in Holyoke, collaborating with the Holyoke Emergency Response Team to offer extended support. The non-profit organization has been working to provide clothing, shelter, and food to displaced families at several of its facilities, including Kate’s Kitchen

A 10-year-old girl named Delilah has organized a massive Toys for Tots donation, raising over $3,000 through a hot chocolate stand. The initiative resulted in more than $1,700 in cash donations and approximately $1,300 worth of toys, doubling the amount raised last year. They managed to fill two cars with toys, which were delivered to help those in need during the holiday season

If you're looking for an opportunity to give back, right now and until January 17th, every Springfield City Library location is collecting new and gently used coats, hats, gloves, and mittens for both adults and children. They’re also collecting new socks, undergarments, baby diapers, and wipes.

Christmas gifts can get expensive, so the Marcotte Ford management team visited Target at the Holyoke Mall yesterday to shop for gifts for ten local families in need. The initiative, now in its second year, involves managers from Marcotte Ford purchasing gifts with a budget of $500 per cart.

Heads up...The Chicopee Police Department is issuing citations left and right to drivers parking in the fire lane at the Walmart Plaza. There has been an increase in fire lane violations now that the holiday shopping season has ramped up. Those caught parking in the fire lane will be issued a ticket for $50

The 16th Annual March for the Food Bank raised over $840,000, surpassing its original goal of $650,000, to support local families in need this holiday season. The new fundraising goal is to raise $1 million by the end of the year

As Holyoke Police were making their rounds yesterday, a property check on Newton Street resulted in an arrest. They saw a door open to an abandoned building and found an armed robbery suspect inside. He was taken into custody without issue

Runners braved the cold last night and took their mark for the annual Bright Nights 5k Road Race in Springfield’s Forest Park. This year’s race sold out in just 18 hours, with more than 200 people being waitlisted. These runners raced through the more than 750 thousand lights and had a nice warm soup dinner waiting for them on the other side of the finish line.

The Salvation Army held its annual Red Kettle campaign at the Thunderdome in Springfield, setting up three donation stations around the MassMutual Center during a recent game, and the response was huge. The event aimed to raise funds for local programs, with volunteers emphasizing the impact of every donation on the Springfield community.

That weekend was the opening weekend for the Springfield Boys and Girls Club’s annual Festival of Trees. This event acts as the biggest fundraiser of the year for the club, an organization that serves more than 4,000 local youth. For 25 years, Springfield Boys and Girls Club Festival of Trees has been a community staple at the MassMutual Center, with over 110 decorated trees being raffled off

Hundreds if not thousands of families went out to Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield over the weekend, helping kick off the light displays in its 31st season. The cherished tradition for many, runs until January 4th, and tickets must be bought in advance online, or at Big Y

The annual Quadrangle lighting event at Springfield Museums illuminated the night and brought holiday cheer to the local community over the weekend. The event featured a countdown led by Mayor Sarno, which culminated in the lighting of the Quadrangle, a popular tradition for many in Springfield.

Small business Saturday in Western Mass was a huge success, with many local business owners saying that the day was their busiest of the year. The holiday wasn't suggested until 2010, and then was made official in 2011.

Children in Springfield can learn to ice skate for free this holiday season, thanks to a program sponsored by the Springfield Police Department. The program, which offers free skate rentals, requires kids to bring their own helmets and gloves to the rink. Sessions are scheduled at Cyr Arena on December 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 3 to 3:50 p.m.

40 years is a long time, and after 40 years, all 13 locations of Smithland Pet & Garden Center will close. The company originally known as myAgway and Dave’s Soda and Pet City said this decision was difficult but necessary. They have locations in both western Massachusetts and across Connecticut, but there's no public timetable for the closure