Good morning, Grand Island.

Heartland United Way held its annual Holiday Toy Collection and Toys for Tots Distribution, providing toys to 2,155 children from 1,021 families in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties.

Local businesses, volunteers + the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program helped the event succeed and more impact details will follow.

CHI Health Good Samaritan's Project Snowflake raised over $11,300 in donations, including food, gifts, and care items, to help local charities during the Christmas season — seven nonprofits visited the hospital Thursday to collect support for rising food insecurity.

Volunteers sorted toys this week in Grand Island for the Heartland United Way distribution & parents will soon choose items to support the holiday gift program.

On Dec. 11, Grand Island Public Schools presented 43 facilities projects totaling $10,157,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with top priorities including the Kneale Administration parking lot upgrade and the senior high school planetarium renovation funded through the district’s depreciation fund; work on the parking lot may start in March.

Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill to unlock up to $1 billion in Medicaid funds for rural hospitals, with initial payments appearing in recent months (after a delay of over a year).

Hospital leaders worry that future federal cuts may threaten key services.

Great Plains Health released its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment report, which reviews local health services and plans improvements in care access (including dental, mental health, and housing) over the next three years.

Community members can review the report and offer feedback on the hospital’s website.

A developer has created a new lake in the Prairie District with 22 available lots around it, and the lake will eventually cover 22 acres—adding new residential options to the area.

Nebraska Volleyball swept Kansas in four sets on Friday night and will face Texas A&M in the Lincoln Regional Final for a spot in the Final Four.

Rebekah Allick recorded nine flawless kills, though a teammate’s injury could affect the next match.

Los Pescadores Del Rio Conchos Concert

8 p.m. — Diamond Reception Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling regional music with the electrifying Los Pescadores Del Rio Conchos.

Cruz Control Christmas with UPSET & DJ Bliss

7-11 p.m. — Liederkranz — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays at an Ugly Sweater Party with live music from Cruz Control.

Spud-tacular: Unearth the Potential of Potatoes

10 a.m. — Raising Nebraska — Check event page for pricing — Discover the world of potatoes through engaging activities and yummy treats.