Salvation Army to serve annual Thanksgiving lunch
The Salvation Army of El Dorado will service its annual Thanksgiving lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Red Shield Diner.
“We ask volunteers to be at 419 S. Madison from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., whether it is through the preparation of the room, cleaning the restrooms or the serving of the meal … Come ready to bless others while you are blessed through service to your community,” said Lt. Charles Smith, Salvation Army commanding officer.
The Salvation Army has also started collecting and sorting Angel Tree gifts at the JOY Center, located in the old El Dorado High School cafeteria. Aside from Sundays, The JOY Center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Dec. 6. To volunteer, contact Lt. Teri Smith at 870-863-8640 or [email protected].
Autism advocacy group to honor local ‘stars’ Saturday
Autistic Voyage will host its third annual Autistic Stars Achievement Banquet from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club.
The annual Autistic Stars Achievement Banquet is designed to honor individuals that are often excluded from recognition, be a voice for those who may struggle to speak for themselves, encourage them to follow their dreams and never be ashamed of who they are; know that being “different” is OK and be confident in who they are and to let no one dim their STAR.
Admission is $5 for guests 11 years and younger and $10 for those 12 years and older. The dress code is formal or Sunday’s Best attire. Donations are also accepted. For more information contact Wyletta Dilworth-Johnson at 870-675-1332 or [email protected].
CASA hopes to ‘Make a Smile Happen’
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of South Arkansas will co-sponsor the South Arkansas Children’s Coalition’s annual Make a Smile Happen Toy Drive.
The South Arkansas Children’s Coalition will be collecting new Christmas toys and clothes for foster children in Union County.
“If someone doesn’t want to take a wish list and shop, they can make a monetary donation and we will shop for them,” Robin Krneta said.
The MASH Drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 1 and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Walmart parking lot. For more information, contact a CASA representative at 870-862-2272.
Habitat for Humanity
volunteers take time off for Thanksgiving
Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, volunteers with El Dorado Habitat for Humanity will not be working on their 41st house at 537 E. Second St. on Saturday. Work will resume from 8 a.m. until noon Dec. 2 and volunteers are needed to hang dry wall, said Cheryl Splawn.
Thanks 4 Giving Us the Blues concert set for Saturday
A Thanks 4 Giving Us the Blues concert will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, 100 W. Eighth. The doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will feature blues and Southern Soul artists Bigg Robb, Donnie Ray, C’Lamont, Summer Wolfe and Couple Deville. P2K will host the show, with DJ Banks “In Da Mixx.” VIP seating will be available, and the event will include food vendors, a beverage bar and photo booth. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 870-866-7441.
Shop Small Saturday planned in El Dorado
Shop Small Saturday will be held Saturday in downtown El Dorado. Main Street El Dorado will be partnering with American Express in a nationwide campaign to encourage people to shop small businesses in local communities. A free gift-wrapping service will be available on the lawn of the Union County Courthouse for customers who purchase items on Black Friday or Shop Small Saturday. To use the free service, customers must present “passports” that have been stamped in at least two areas, reflecting purchases that were made at participating downtown businesses between Nov. 19 and 25. In the event of inclement weather, the gift-wrapping service will be moved inside The Spot across from the courthouse on South Washington Avenue.
Shop Small Saturday
prizes to be awarded
On Monday, a prize-drawing for Shop Small Saturday promotional campaign will be held. Customers whose passports are stamped in all eight spots will qualify for a drawing to win a prize pack valued at more than $800. To be eligible, customers must leave their filled passports at the last participating business or restaurant from which they made a purchase.
Smackover downtown Christmas celebration planned
SMACKOVER — At 6 p.m. Dec. 1, the Smackover Downtown Christmas Celebration will be held at Kennedy Park on Broadway Street. The event will include a lighting ceremony for the town Christmas tree and Eddie’s Cross, an 82-year-old Smackover tradition that will be narrated by Mayor Bobby Neal. Santa Claus will also make an appearance. For more information, call the Smackover Chamber of Commerce at 870-725-3521.
El Dorado city offices to be closed
All administrative offices of the city of El Dorado, including the administrative offices of the fire and police departments, will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. Police and fire services will operate as usual. Residential garbage pickups for Thursday and Friday will be collected on Friday.