Good morning, El Paso.

Abundant Church volunteers packed thousands of toys and 1000 food boxes today to support children and families in San Elizario as part of its 10th annual drive.

The donations will be handed out tomorrow at 9 a.m. at San Elizario ISD Support Services.

Whataburger launched its 12 Days of Whatacheer event for Rewards members via the app.

The festive program runs from Dec. 12 to 23 and offers daily deals (buy one, get one specials) to bring holiday cheer.

El Paso residents can explore enchanting holiday lights this season at San Jacinto Plaza — featuring dazzling displays — and at Ascarate Park’s Lights on the Lake show, offering a festive experience for all.

Ysleta ISD students participated in the annual Virgen de Guadalupe Art Contest on Dec.

12, showcasing their talents and learning about cultural traditions in El Paso; student Alondra Rivera (from Bel Air) won second place for her colored pencil work 'Virgen Morena.'

Canutillo ISD held a reading milestone celebration today as over 200 kids finished one book per week for eight weeks (guest reader Marcel Clarke of ABC 7 joined to encourage a lifelong love of reading).

EPCC celebrated vocational nursing graduates on Friday, Dec.

12 at its Administrative Services Center Auditorium. Graduates and their families marked the milestone with a pinning ceremony and special honors (including the DAISY Award) as they transition from student to nurse.

Upper Valley Urgent Care reports a rise in respiratory infections across the Borderland as Christmas nears, and Nurse Josh Estrada urged anyone with even mild symptoms — like cough, fever, or congestion — to seek evaluation early before family gatherings.

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino will launch its 66th season of live horse racing on Jan.

2, 2026, with a 55-day schedule and high-stakes races including the 21st Sunland Derby on Feb. 15 (offering $500,000 in purse). The season runs through Apr. 5.

El Paso masters track athletes claimed medals at two continental championships — Teague won three gold medals in Mexico City from Nov.

6 to 9 and Virginia Jackson earned a silver in Santiago from Nov. 24 to 30.

UTEP men’s basketball is working to improve rebounding + offensive execution after a three-game losing streak, with coach Joe Golding emphasizing lineup changes ahead of upcoming contests in Hawaii and the Sun Bowl Invitational.

The team continues to refine its approach as new players learn to work together.

College football fans can find buying instructions for over 30 bowl games this season, starting with the LA Bowl today and ending with the National Championship on Jan.

19. Details include local events — the Sun Bowl in El Paso on Dec. 31 — all compiled by USA TODAY Shopping.

Labor Market Information Workshop

9-11 a.m. — Workforce Solutions Borderplex - North Loop Center — Snacks Provided — Discover employment trends and skills employers seek in today’s job market.

UP AND RUNNING Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Up & Running, El Paso, TX — Registration fees apply — Lace up for a festive 5K run/walk filled with holiday cheer.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

3-7:30 p.m. — The Plaza Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a delightful holiday classic with the magical performance of The Nutcracker.

Candlelight: Tribute to Juan Gabriel

6:30 p.m. — El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical tribute to Juan Gabriel in a stunning candlelit setting.