Good morning, Rockford.

Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford distributed Thanksgiving baskets — including a traditional feast and a week’s worth of groceries — to 175 local families.

The food was sourced from donations and Gray’s IGA and delivered through 11 area agencies as part of the church's 46th annual outreach to help families facing food insecurity.

A teddy bear drive started Monday morning at Hard Rock Casino Rockford to collect new bears until December 21st for local hospitals and organizations serving children—sheriff Gary Caruana said the bears help comfort children during tragic incidents.

Grocery stores in Rockford have announced their Thanksgiving Day hours for 2025—most chains, including Walmart, Costco, Target, and Schnucks, will be closed while others like Meijer, Kroger, Woodman’s Market, Gray’s Foods, Rivera’s Fresh Market, and Save A Lot will operate on limited schedules. Meijer will run from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the holiday, and each retailer has set its own special hours.

The City of Rockford will launch its Business Advancement Program on Dec.

1 to offer five-year forgivable loans to local for-profit businesses that match investments dollar for dollar up to $25,000—businesses will have the loans fully forgiven if they remain open, comply with zoning and licensing rules, and maintain a local presence, with applications ending on Dec. 31.

David Foster and Katharine McPhee will perform 'An Intimate Evening' at Hard Rock Live Rockford at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 5th — the concert will let fans get a close look at the celebrated artists as they share stories and music.

Gas prices in Rockford ticked up to an average of $3.05 per gallon—0.4 cents higher than last week—according to a recent survey, while the national price stayed near $3.03 per gallon.

Analysts say prices will likely drop further as refinery maintenance ends ahead of Thanksgiving travel.

Rockford announced that the final week for yard waste collection will be December 1—December 5; residents will have one more chance during the annual Christmas Tree collection in early January, and pickups will resume in spring when the compost site reopens.

Winnebago County Sheriff's Office is offering free rides home on Thanksgiving Eve from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Residents can call the sheriff’s non-emergency line at 815-282-2600 for a safe ride to their homes.

State Senator Dave Syverson partnered with Meridian — YouthCare — HealthChoice Illinois — and City First Church last week to deliver turkeys and fresh groceries to 750 Rockford families before Thanksgiving.

He thanked the volunteers and staff who made the event possible.

Senator Dave Syverson worked with local partners to distribute hundreds of turkeys in the 35th District this week—thanking volunteers for their help.

He also highlighted a new mobile ID program that lets residents add their driver’s license to iPhone Wallet—while officials warn of a smishing scam targeting fake toll or fine messages.

During the holiday season, a UW Health dietitian says people with diabetes should stick to regular meals and snacks to keep blood sugar steady, and doctors advise checking levels often and taking short walks after meals—steps that help manage diabetes while enjoying festive foods.

Coral Care has released a holiday toy guide — the only pediatric gift guide built by licensed therapists — to help families choose toys based on age and skill level.

The free guide is available on the Coral Care website and offers in-home developmental screenings for parents with concerns.

The Illinois Public Interest Research Group warned families about hidden dangers in some toys released Monday—including AI chat bots, lead, phthalates, counterfeit items, and recalled water beads—as experts urge careful research ahead of the 2025 gift-giving season.

2025 NorthPointe Wellness Turkey Trot

2:30-4:00 p.m. — 5605 E Rockton Rd, Roscoe, IL — Registration fee may apply — Participate in a fun-filled annual Turkey Trot event promoting health and community spirit.

Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk

12 – 4 PM — Beattie Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive run in downtown Rockford.

An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket information unavailable — Enjoy a night of musical brilliance with renowned composer David Foster and soprano Katharine McPhee.

The Nutcracker by Rockford Dance Company

6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-67 — Experience the magic of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this beloved holiday ballet featuring local talent.

Riverview Inn & Suites Winter Wonderland

11 AM - 5 PM — Riverview Inn & Suites — $10/person at the door — Experience holiday cheer with Santa photos, crafts, and live music.

NLI’s Holiday Open House

4-7 p.m. — Natural Land Institute — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with cider, snacks, and mingling at NLI's festive headquarters.

2025 Excalibur & Excelsior Awards Celebration

6-8 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Celebrate community service excellence at the Annual Excalibur & Excelsior Award Ceremony.

An Evening with Kevin Gordon

8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — From $15.08 — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Louisiana's own Kevin Gordon as he shares stories through his songs.

A Christmas Carol Performance

7:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Cheek Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life through a one-man play by Greg Oliver Bodine.

Holiday Pops - Rockford Symphony Orchestra

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — A festive performance featuring nearly 200 community performers, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.