Thanksgiving feasts of turkey and taters may only be a few days past, but agencies and organizations in South Grant County and Othello are already gearing up with community events for the holiday season.

In Othello, the 44th annual community Christmas basket kicked off with a pancake feed at the Adams County Fire District No. 5 station on Sunday, Nov. 25.

Spearheaded by local resident Ken Johnson, donations help supply goods that volunteers will put into holiday baskets for needy families in the community, including dried and canned food, age-appropriate toys for children, coats and blankets. Christmas hams will also be supplied. Johnson said the event typically serves about 350 people.

Those wishing to refer a family in need can reach out to Johnson's Glass, a business owned and operated by Johnson, at 509-488-5088.

Othello's Police Department will also be holding a Shop With A Cop event with a number of underprivileged children in the community, where local officers will go shopping with children for Christmas presents and help build bridges between youth and the police.

In Royal City, New Life Church will be holding a community celebration at the church and nearby Lions Park on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., which will coincide with the city's Christmas tree lighting in the same park.

Mattawa Police Department hopes to hold its first annual Shop With A Cop, an event being organized by local resident Tony Acosta. Acosta is currently soliciting donations to help facilitate the event, which can be tendered to the Mattawa Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the chamber at 509-831-0033.

If you know of an event or bazaar in South Grant County or Adams County, please send information to Emry Dinman at edinman@suntribunenews.com or phone 509-765-4561, ext. 126.