A few examples show that Rockwall has moved on from the “lighting” to the “giving” part of the holiday season:

Rockwall County Helping Hands is planning to distribute toys to 1,200 needy children this Saturday, but the nonprofit is running short of its goal heading into Friday, the last day to collect toys. Here’s a story and contact list from our NeighborsGo staff.

Tuesday, the Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club made a trip to deliver more than 200 new coats to students (pictured). Members expanded the annual coat delivery to include all 12 Rockwall ISD elementary campuses this year.

Those dozen campuses were also the beneficiary of a donation of 350 boxes of books from Half Price Books. The donation was arranged by Rockwall resident Stan Haddock, a volunteer Book Exchange of Dallas volunteer. The effort culminated with a visit from Congressman Ralph Hall to help Dobbs Elementary celebrate the arrival of its books.

–Ray Leszcynski/Reporter

The Dr. Gene Burton Endowment Fund is benefiting from the sale of prints of “Rockwall Then and Now,” a photographic collage of still-life images that depict Rockwall’s history and growth.

“Rockwall Then and Now,” by Richard Sturdevant, debuted at the Rockwall ISD Education Foundation Celebration last February at Southfork Ranch. It was purchased there by Kim and Calvin Wallen (Kim Wallen is pictured here with Burton, the school district’s recently retired superintendent).

Titled, numbered and signed limited edition prints of the original canvas work are now available through the Education Foundation for $100. Call 469-698-7094 or e-mail.

–Ray Leszcynski/Reporter

Rockwall’s tree is lit, its parade has run its course and its festive atmosphere has been set. Let the holidays continue!

Kids 5-12 can take part in making gingerbread houses from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at The Center, 108 E. Washington St. Bring creativity, holiday cheer and a bag of candy to share.

Saturday will be Breakfast with Santa, 9-11 a.m. at The Center.

Pre-registration is necessary and there is a fee for both events. Call 972-771-7740.

–Ray Leszcynski/Reporter

I’ve been posting often about the many events in the area to officially kick off the holiday and shopping seasons. So here’s a reminder to play it safe.

Rockwall police are increasing patrol along the Interstate-30 corridor by assigning additional officers to retail parking lots. The annual effort is formally called the Holiday Initiative Program.

Chief Mark Moeller reminds everyone to take a few precautions, such as:

• Don’t leave your keys in the vehicle;
• Lock vehicle doors; and
• Hide valuable items such as GPS devices, cellphones and packages.

–Ray Leszcynski/Reporter

The debut of an Old Town Christmas Market in downtown Rockwall will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday on San Jacinto Street.

Complimentary hot cocoa and warm spiced cider will be provided. In addition to the unique items offered in downtown shops, market vendors will offer gifts such as stained glass items, gift cards, soaps, hand-turned wood works, watercolors by area artists, homemade pies, canned salsas, jams and jellies.

Many downtown shops are now staying open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays for holiday shopping convenience.

Want more? Here’s a link.

–Ray Leszcynski/Reporter