During a recent government meeting, the mayor announced several community initiatives and upcoming events aimed at fostering civic engagement and support for local charities. Notably, the mayor proclaimed December 18 as Red Kettle Day, during which he will personally ring the bell for the Salvation Army outside Walmart to raise funds for those in need.

The meeting highlighted the success of the Arbor Day event on November 1, where 100 trees were distributed, and the graduation of the sixth cohort of the Neighbor Academy, a program designed to educate residents about city operations. The police department's \"Cruising with the Claws\" toy drive, which began on November 11, will continue collecting toys until December 9 at various locations, including Walmart.

Community cleanup efforts were also discussed, with the recent \"I Love My City\" cleanup in Terra Farms resulting in a full dumpster of debris collected by residents. The high school Beta Club and the Hurricane Creek Rotary Club participated in litter cleanups at local parks, contributing to community beautification.

Looking ahead, the mayor announced the \"12 Days of Anna\" festivities, starting with a tree lighting ceremony on December 7. This year marks the last time the event will be held at its current location, as future celebrations will take place in a newly developed plaza. Additionally, the fire department's Operation Santa will run from December 16 to 18, allowing residents to track Santa's route on a fire truck.

The meeting also provided a preview of upcoming events, including a Christmas market and parade on December 14, and a litter cleanup scheduled for January 13. The council will recognize outstanding volunteers during a celebration on January 26, and plans for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service are underway, focusing on supporting local students with essential supplies.