Orryn Hastings talks to Santa Saturday, Dec. 11, 2022, during the Pancakes with Santa event. This year's fun takes place Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 at the Hermiston Community Center.

Looking ahead to Christmas, the Hermiston Herald covered several local events. That’s not all, though. Last week was busy.

Last week, in our print publication, we published an article by Herald reporter Beau Glynn on the Holiday Toy Drive. This is an effort to bring toys to children in hospitals. Many toys were collected for distribution.

Also, Beau wrote a story for us on the Stepping Stones Alliance and its work creating a year-round sleep center for homeless people. The organization opened the old Sears building in Hermiston as a shelter, as it did last year. Starting in March, however, it’s going to move to a new location. And it will be open throughout the year.

Also, we had stories about a new partnership for the Herald, the rise of RSV, a Hermiston middle school student winning an award and more.

My favorite item in the paper, though, was written by Tammy Magesini, our community editor. Tammy wrote a column about Christmas shopping. Very funny stuff.

Be sure to check us out online at hermistonherald.com.