Good morning, Worcester.

Thanks to donations from local readers, businesses, and civic organizations, T&G Santa bought toys for nearly 10,000 children in need through 20 partner groups.

The United Way of Central Massachusetts was a key partner in the drive, with donations accepted via a coupon in today's paper or online.

The Matt Swanton Band will headline at Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley on Dec.

27 with guest harmonica player Shane Sager — doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner seating and tickets cost $24.50. This return to the venue is a full circle moment for Swanton, who grew up loving blues there.

This week, residents have year-end events including a holiday blues benefit at WCUW on Dec.

27, comedy by Bob Marley at Mechanics Hall on Dec. 28, and parties at Off The Rails, Beyond Wrestling, and Electric Haze on Dec. 31; tickets range from $20 to $42 (Venmo accepted).

Families tracked Santa’s journey with NORAD and Google trackers on Christmas Eve (Dec.

24) as he delivered presents after children went to bed. The real-time maps showed his route and estimated arrival times for local viewers.

Worcester Tech students used their vocational skills to repair vandalized bathrooms after a student survey raised privacy and maintenance concerns.

Plumbing and carpentry teams fixed water issues, built new dividers, and replaced damaged doors at the school.

WPI received a $3M donation from 1964 graduate Paul Covec to create an innovation and commercialization fund as part of its $500M drive— the university will rename its amphitheater in his honor.

Feedback Earth, a food recycling firm that left Grafton in September, reached a settlement of up to $250,000 for odor violations filed Dec.

17; $110,000 will benefit the Environmental Justice fund and a $30,000 fine may be dropped if the company surrenders its permits (per state guidelines).

The DPH announced that on Dec.

11 an out-of-state traveler with measles flew into Boston from Dallas Fort Worth and stayed one night at a hotel in Westborough before leaving on Dec. 12; officials urge anyone potentially exposed to check vaccination status (vaccination within 72 hours may help prevent illness).

Shrewsbury’s Zoning Board approved Yatco’s gas station complex at 193 Hartford Turnpike (Route 20) across from Market Basket after a nearly yearlong review.

The planned 7,000 sqft building featuring a convenience store, quick-stop restaurant, drive-thru window, and car wash will include five years of postoccupancy traffic monitoring.

Dueling Pianos Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Rascals — Ticket prices vary — Get ready to rock and roll at an electrifying musical experience where you choose the playlist.

Home for the Holidays Hockey Game

3:05-4:35 p.m. — DCU Center — $10 Kids Tickets — Celebrate the season with festive hockey, family fun, and a chance to win during the Ugly Sweater Contest.

New Year's Eve Celebration with Whiskey Boulevard

7 PM - 1 AM — Samuel Slater's Restaurant — $95 Dinner, $30 Celebration Only — Celebrate New Year's Eve with live music, dinner buffet, and a champagne toast at midnight.

The Taylor Party: A Tribute to Taylor Swift

8-10:30 p.m. — Palladium — $ — Dance and sing along to all of Taylor Swift's iconic eras at this electrifying tribute party.

Bingo Loco - Late Show

5-6:30 p.m. — Palladium — Ticketed event — Experience an interactive bingo party with live music, wild prizes, and high-energy performances.

The Great Escape - Journey Tribute

8-11 p.m. — Rascals — $18-$25 — Experience the high-energy tribute to Journey that leaves fans eager for more.