The Nov. 20 episode of "This Week in Kirkland" combined holiday giving appeals and practical safety reminders for residents preparing for Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

The hosts said the Kirkland Fire Department is partnering with Toys for Tots and invited residents to drop off new, unwrapped toys at any Kirkland fire station daily through Dec. 16 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Christian Lash described Ignite Kirkland as a place-based giving campaign hosted by the Kirkland Community Foundation and encouraged listeners to give before Nov. 24 if they want to see their gift in action in 2026.

Practical guidance for the Thanksgiving period included a reminder that city administrative offices will be closed Thursday and Friday (Nov. 27–28), changes to solid-waste collection (Thursday pickups move to Friday; Friday pickups move to Saturday) and a recommendation not to pour cooking oil or grease down household drains. Hosts said used cooking oil may be accepted at the North Kirkland Community Center.

Christian Lash also reviewed Washington’s 'move over, slow down' law, saying drivers must move over a lane if it’s safe to do so or slow down at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility crews or other response vehicles with lights activated.

Links and additional details for the city’s holiday programs, volunteer sign-ups and events were said to be available in the podcast show notes and on city and KDA web pages.