Good morning, Normal.

BrightPoint Bloomington Crisis Nursery hosts its 23rd Stuff the Bus drive to collect clothing, teethers and diaper rash cream for kids aged 0 to 7.

Drop-offs begin today at Kroger (1550 E College Ave, Normal) and run Dec. 5 at Walmart in Bloomington and Dec. 6 at Sam’s Club in Normal.

Illinois State University will welcome the holiday season with art sales, orchestral performances, and planetarium shows on campus.

The festive program offers seasonal cultural celebrations for the community.

Santa’s Station returns to Uptown Normal as a free holiday visit attraction beginning Saturday, Dec.

6 at a new location near the Uptown Normal Circle; Santa will greet guests on select dates through Christmas Eve (donations benefit local charities).

Central Illinois school districts will host madrigal dinners in McLean County this December to share messages of hope and uphold a decades-old tradition.

Heartland Community College signed 37 apprentices on Wednesday as they renewed their commitments to local business partners (Bridgestone, Caterpillar Pontiac, OSF St. Joseph, Rivian, 8th Street Welding and Hydraulics, and Westminster Village) to help fill the skilled work gap in the area.

Since Dec. 1, residents have been able to drop off latex and oil-based paints at four new McLean County sites including Sherwin-Williams in Bloomington and Normal and RP Lumber in Bloomington and LeRoy — available at no charge under the PaintCare program approved by the Illinois EPA.

NPC Mid-American Winter Classic

10 AM – 10 PM — Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — Ticketed event — Witness amateur athletes showcase their skills in bodybuilding and physique competitions.

Santa's Station at Uptown Normal

1-4 p.m. — Uptown Normal — Free; donations appreciated — Experience holiday cheer with Santa, crafts, and music at his train depot.

Indiana State Sycamores vs. Illinois State Redbirds Men's Basketball

4-5:30 p.m. — CEFCU Arena — Watch live for free — Witness a thrilling college basketball matchup between local rivals.