Good morning, Mishawaka.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana hosted its North Pole program on Christmas morning (providing free toy shopping) for families with hospitalized children.

The drive gathered thousands of gifts (easing holiday stress) and brought joy to local kids.

Various New Year’s events will take place in the South Bend area from Dec.

30-Jan. 1, offering options such as a wolf park Howl Night in Battle Ground, family hikes, music celebrations, and a Mishawaka party at the Holiday Inn Conference Center (ticket prices vary).

Wawasee Community School Corp. is advancing its projects by completing the steel phase on the new performing arts center at Wawasee High and delivering Milford Elementary by late February, with classes starting April 13; improvements at the middle school pool and planned track and tennis court work are also underway.

Forte Residential earned Person-Centered Excellence accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership and will soon implement service improvements to boost its disability supports across northern Indiana.