Winter holidays are approaching fast, and residents have a chance to make them brighter for local kids by donating toys. The Office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) is again hosting a toy drive for West Philadelphia children. There are two ways to participate in the drive – toys can be purchased directly through one of the registries or dropped off at the District Office located at 606 S. 52nd Street.

“Every child deserves to feel the warmth of the holidays,” Councilmember Gauthier said in a statement. “By participating in the 3rd District Toy Drive, you’re not just giving gifts— you’re sharing hope, joy, and the magic of the season.”

Please note that only new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the District Office. The hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Here are the links to the registries:

Target Toy Registry

Amazon Toy Registry

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Mayor Cherelle Parker has signed into law the “Get Out The Bike Lane” bill recently approved by Philadelphia City Council. The bill, which prohibits motorists from stopping, standing, or parking in a bike lane, was introduced by City Council President Kenyatta Johnson two months after the death of 30-year-old Dr. Barbara Ann Friedes, a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who was killed in a multi-vehicle crash while legally riding in a bike lane bear 18th and Spruce Streets back on July 17.

Going forward, folks will now be fined $125 in Center City and University City, and $75 in other neighborhoods, for stopping or standing in any bike lane in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority will be the lead agency enforcing the law. The new law isn’t going to be fully enforced until the city updates all the necessary traffic signs which should be completed by next spring.

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For many years, local community organization, Cedar Park Neighbors, in collaboration with area churches and other nonprofit organizations, has been preparing and distributing food baskets for neighbors in need during the holiday season. This holiday season is no exception. As always, to make this great initiative a success, CPN is holding their annual Holiday Basket Drive. Suggested donation this year is $45, which will help feed two families.

Donations are accepted online at: https://donorbox.org/holiday-basket. Payments can also be sent to: Cedar Park Neighbors Holiday Baskets, Calvary Community Center, 4740 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143.

CPN members and volunteers will be packing and distributing the baskets on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Renewal Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of 47th and Cedar Avenue. Please feel free to contact the event organizer, Michelle Lewis, at mlewis1071@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer or are interested in donating bulk items. Also, feel free to ask any questions by email.

Swing by uCity Square at 37th and Filbert this Friday, Dec. 6, between 4 to 7 p.m. for the annual uCity Square Holiday Fest! Free family-friendly activities include photos with Santa, live music, ornament decorating, s’mores and firepits, holiday movies, and West Philly’s only tree lighting ceremony at 5:15!

Grab the perfect gift at the West Philly Bizarre vendor marketplace and sip on hot cocoa and cider from Beach Beans Coffee Co. Learn more here: ucitysquare.com/holiday-fest.

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As always on #GivingTuesday, we’re encouraging our readers to show their appreciations for West Philly-based non-profit organizations. Throughout the day, we’ll be posting/sharing 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, check out our Civic Life/Neighborhood Resources page where you can find information on many other West Philly non-profit organizations and community groups.

It’s #GivingTuesday and HopePHL’s first birthday! This year, we helped 1,000 children experiencing homelessness, supported 1,500 West Philly residents, and prevented 55 evictions. Please help us reach more people with a tax-deductible gift: https://t.co/JwONHnwvpm. pic.twitter.com/pzyyxkviHM

— HopePHL (@hope_phl) December 3, 2024

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Improvements are coming to Malcolm X Park in 2025, and community members have a chance to learn more and provide feedback at a community meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6-7 p.m., at 24 S. 52nd St. Those who are unable to attend the meeting are invited to fill out an online survey – click here!

Improvements will include some general site maintenance, including new benches, curb repairs and a playground redesign. The survey invites families with children to provide feedback on what types of updates they want to see at the playground.

The meeting is organized by The Friends of Malcolm X Park community group in cooperation with Philadelphia Parks & Rec and the Office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District).