Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester Salvation Army’s Toy and Joy Shop is hosting its final Christmas gift event by appointment until early afternoon today—expected to serve 350 families and nearly 900 children with donations from Angel Trees and the Red Kettle Campaign.

Volunteers and those registering for gifts can call 507-288-3663 for more details.

Salvation Army red kettles in Rochester feature 7 mobile-activated donation sites at Hy-Vee + T.J.

Maxx + Fleet Farm, and volunteers have discovered rare items such as 5 Krugerrands in past seasons. The donation season coincides with final days before Christmas.

On Friday, Dec. 12, a Rochester family of five lost their home in a fire at Homestead Village Townhomes in SE Rochester; although all were safe, Emma Dolton and Nate Dickinson now seek help to secure housing before the holidays (a GoFundMe effort is underway) for their children.

WFPB Holiday Potluck

6-8 p.m. — 1800 High Pointe Ln NW, Rochester, MN — Cost info not listed — Celebrate the holidays with delicious whole food plant-based dishes and community connections.

World Juniors Hockey Pre-Tournament Series

7-10 p.m. — Rochester Recreation Center — Cost info not provided — Witness young hockey talents battle it out in exhibition games featuring Denmark, Switzerland, and Sweden.

New Year's Eve Celebration

5:30-7:30 p.m. & 8:00-10:00 p.m. — Bleu Duck Kitchen & Oyster Bar — $125 per person — Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with an elegant four-course dining experience.