The annual 3rd District Toy Drive is underway and this is a great opportunity to make holidays brighter for local families and children in need. The Office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who represents the 3rd District, is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys through Thursday, Dec. 18. Here’s how you can participate in the drive:

• Bring your donation to the 3rd District Office located at 606 S. 52nd St. or Room 316 at City Hall. Donations are accepted Monday through Thursday during office hours.

• Contribute online via one of the wishlists.

Toy giveaway will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the 3rd District Office (606 S. 52nd St) and families are asked to register by Dec. 19, 12 p.m.. Check out the flyer below for more details.

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Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) has kicked off its annual Holiday Baskets campaign. In collaboration with area churches and other nonprofit organizations, CPN will prepare and distribute food baskets for neighborhood residents in need during the holiday season. As always, to make this campaign successful, CPN is asking for community support.

This year, a suggested donation is $50, which will help feed two families, but any amount is appreciated. Please use this link to submit your donation: https://donorbox.org/cpnholidaybaskets

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As always on #GivingTuesday, we’re encouraging our readers to show their appreciation for West Philly-based non-profit organizations. Throughout the day, we’ll be posting messages from West Philly non-profits in this post and on our social media. Please consider supporting a local cause today with your donation or volunteering. Also, please visit our Civic Life/Neighborhood Resources page where you can find information on many other West Philly non-profits.

Kicks for Kids: Giving Tuesday with HopePHL

Giving Tuesday, which falls on Tuesday, Dec. 2 this year, is a global day of generosity where everyone can give back to their communities through donations, acts of kindness, or spreading awareness. In 2024, more than 50,000 children and youth in Pennsylvania experienced homelessness, with over 10,000 of them right here in Philadelphia. These are not just numbers; they are children whose futures are impacted by housing instability and trauma. HopePHL believes that every child deserves a safe place to call home, and is on a mission to turn these statistics around. Details for participating in Kicks for Kids with HopePHL can be found here.

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A Campaign for Working Families volunteer at work. (Photo courtesy of CWF)

Looking for a meaningful way to make an impact in West Philly this winter? Campaign for Working Families (CWF) is recruiting volunteers for the 2026 tax season.

Each year, thousands of Philadelphians rely on free, trustworthy tax preparation to access the refunds and tax credits they’ve earned. Through CWF’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, trained community volunteers help low- to moderate-income families file accurate tax returns at no cost. Your time and compassion can directly support residents in reducing financial stress, building stability, and keeping more money in their pockets.

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Here’s information on Thanksgiving Day hours and closings at some local stores and supermarkets. Please feel free to post your business hours in the comments below.

ACME Markets (40th and Walnut): Open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aldi (46th and Market): Closed

Mariposa Food Coop (49th and Baltimore): Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shoprite of Parkside (1575 N. 52nd St): Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Supremo Food Market (43rd and Walnut): Open 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight)

The Fresh Grocer (56th and Chestnut): Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits: All stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Demolition has started at the Admiral Court apartment complex, which was heavily damaged by a fire earlier this year.

The fire broke out at the vacant complex near 48th and Locust in the early morning hours of June 7, 2025 and took about 150 firefighters and three hours to be placed under control. No injuries were reported. The fire was later ruled an arson and is under investigation.

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