In the News ... "'Help the Stocking"

OA File Photo

• Time is winding down ...

Staff Report
• The Odessa American

Time is winding down to help needy Odessans with a Merry Christmas with only eight more days in this year’s Empty Stocking Fund campaign.

The Parks Bell Foundation gave the Odessa Empty Stocking Fund a huge boost Wednesday with a generous $10,000 donation.

That boosts the daily total to $17,060.

All donations are also being matched dollar for dollar by a generous $50,000 matching challenge from the Sewell Family of Companies.

Many in our community need help this year as a Merry Christmas meal and gifts for the kiddos are simply out of reach. Will you help the needy in Odessa have a Merry Christmas? ...

• Read the rest of this OA Report, and learn how you can help

In the News ... "Highway 191 Cross hosting 'Christmas' Story today"

OA File Photo

• “It’s a special time but we want the kids to know the true meaning of Christmas”

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - People Pride Scholarship Program students and John Bushman, program founder and chairman of the Investment Corporation of America, will gather Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Calvary Cross on Highway 191 for an explanation of the true meaning of Christmas.

Students from Odessa elementary schools will attend with their parents and teachers.

The event is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. at the Calvary Cross, on the south service road of highway 191 about 3 miles east of Faudree Road. Parking will be offered on a new parking area adjacent to the cross, accessed from 191, parking will not be allowed on the shoulder of the service road. Please use caution entering and exiting.

“It’s a special time but we want the kids to know the true meaning of Christmas,” Bushman stated in a news release. “We take this time to gather our scholarship students and honor them with this special story.”

Damian Christian, local singer, will perform along with students. Kyle Rodgers, minister of St. Andrew Cumberland Presbyterian Church, will help facilitate the program.

In the News ... "H-E-B, Meals on Wheels of Odessa to distribute 700 holiday meals

• In conjunction with annual Feast of Sharing-Odessa, Friday, December 8

By Zachary Bordner, Reporter
• KMID-TV/KPEJ-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - In partnership with Meals on Wheels of Odessa, H-E-B will be celebrating the holiday season by distributing more than 700 holiday meals to homebound neighbors as part of HEB’s annual Feast of Sharing celebration.

According to a release, H.E.B. partners and community volunteers will be passing out meals, bags of fruit and vegetables, and other food items and festive goodies to fellow Texans in Odessa ...

 • Read/watch the rest of this KMID/KPEJ report ...

In the News ... "'Empty Stocking' needs your help"

• Empty Stocking Fund now in its 29th year

Staff Report
• The Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Times are tough out there and Odessan Sandra and her family are no exception.

Sandra is a single mom to a 10 and 3-year-old and is moving from place to place but working and looking to get her family settled.

Odessa families are in need this holiday season and can get help through the Empty Stocking Fund.

Many in our community, like Sandra and her kids, need help this year as a Merry Christmas meal and gifts for the kiddos are simply out of reach. Will you help the needy in Odessa have a Merry Christmas?

The 29th year of the Empty Stocking Fund has a $100,000 goal to meet the needs in our community. The Fund helps families who are struggling to make ends meet. Many are single moms and grandmothers trying to raise family in tough economic times. Funds donated to the Empty Stocking stay in Ector County and help local families like that of Sandra and the kids.

Empty Stocking Funds go for a good holiday meal and small gifts under the tree. Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund may be mailed or delivered to the Salvation Army Community Center, 810 E. 11th St., or the Odessa American, 700 N. Grant, Suite 800. ZIP codes for both are 79761. Call the Salvation Army at 332-0738.

The Empty Stocking Fund, an annual fundraising effort by the Odessa American and The Salvation Army, provides a good holiday meal and small gifts under the tree for needy seniors and children. Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund may be mailed or delivered to the Salvation Army Community Center, 810 E. 11th St., or the Odessa American, 700 N. Grant, Suite 800. ZIP codes for both are 79761. Call the Salvation Army at 332-0738.

The Empty Stocking Fund was created by the Odessa American in 1995 and has raised more than $2.24 million. Donate online at Donate online at https://give.salvationarmytexas.org/campaign/empty-stocking-fund-2023-odessa-texas/c529771

In the News ... "West Texas Food Bank joins forces with JumBurrito for annual fundraiser: Because You Fed Me"

• Dedicated to JumBurrito Revolutionary Rewards Club Members, both current and new

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - The West Texas Food Bankannounced Friday its partnership with JumBurrito for the 13th consecutive year in an endeavor to make a meaningful impact on hunger in the community. This festive collaboration, running from Sunday, November 12, to Saturday, December 16, is dedicated to JumBurrito Revolutionary Rewards Club Members, both current and new. JumBurrito is set to turn each member’s visit into an act of generosity. For every visit during the promotional period, JumBurrito will pledge to donate $.50 to the West Texas Food Bank, a contribution that translates into providing two meals to individuals in need. The initiative not only satisfies our taste buds but also nourishes the community it serves, a news release said.

To add an exciting twist to the season of giving, each visit will also serve as an entry for JumBurrito Revolutionary Rewards Club Members to win 1,000 Rewards Points. With six winners to be selected, the promotion encourages active participation while offering a chance to earn appealing rewards.

“This marks the 13th year of our cherished partnership with JumBurrito, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing commitment to our cause,” expressed Libby Campbell, CEO at the West Texas Food Bank, in the release. “Their generosity for every member visit is a testament to the shared values of compassion and community support that define this annual fundraiser. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.”

• November 8 at Midland College's Scharbauer Student Center Carrasco Room

In the News ... "Feast for your eyes and stomach"

• Feast of Sharing is an annual gathering hosted by H-E-B that serves more than 340,000 meals across Texas and Mexico

By Nathaniel Miller, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Get ready to make room for barbecue not long after a full Thanksgiving meal.

Scheduled for Dec. 8, H-E-B is bringing the annual Feast of Sharing to Odessa at the Ector County Coliseum, 4201 Andrews Highway, in Barns D and E. The event is scheduled from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., and doors will open at 3:30 p.m.

The Feast of Sharing is an annual gathering hosted by the grocery chain that serves more than 340,000 meals across Texas and Mexico.

Jessicka Gonzales, H-E-B’s Public Affairs Officer for West Texas, said the 21st annual event is scheduled to have a Texas-style spread, live music and entertainment and activities for children.

The event is free to the public and organizers are expecting up to 8,000 people ...

... Not just content with feeding residents of Odessa at the event, H-E-B sponsors food for a day with Meals on Wheels of Odessa, and members of the company deliver those meals to home-bound seniors ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "NewsWest 9 kicks off 2023 toy drive"

• Partnering with Salvation Army and United Supermarkets to help gather and distribute toys to children in West Texas

Staff Report
• KWES-TV

BIG SPRING/MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - NewsWest 9, the Salvation Army and United Supermarkets have once again partnered in 2023 for the annual toy drive.

The toy drive will help gather and distribute toys to children in West Texas to make sure they have a happy Christmas.

Red barrels will be at select locations across Midland, Odessa and Big Spring to collect toys ...

• Read the rest of this KWES report, and find a collection point near you ... 

In the News ... "C.S. Lewis On Stage: Further Up & Further In ... this weekend"

• Sunday, November 5 at Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Staff Report
• Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - From the producers of The Screwtape Letters comes a dazzling, new theatrical experience that takes you further up and further into the spiritual journey of C.S. Lewis.

Sunday, November 5, 2023
Event Starts: 3:00PM
Doors Open: 2:00 PM

Using Lewis’ own words within a vividly immersive, multimedia experience, award-winning actor Max McLean takes you Further Up & Further In the mind and heart of one of the most imaginative and gifted writers in history.

 • More information, and ticket purchases ...

In the News ... "Tom’s Coats kicks-off"

• Donation locations in Odessa and Midland

By Lauren Munt, Reporter
• KOSA-TV

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - As the temperatures drop, many West Texans are struggling to stay warm, that’s why Chief Meteorologist, Tom Teffertiller is hosting a coat drive.

We’re looking for gently-used or new jackets or sweaters for the drive.

You can donate jackets and coats at the sites listed below.

• Frost Bank - 2 Midland locations

4101 Midland Dr.
800 W. Wadley Ave.

• Frost Bank - 2 Odessa locations

3501 Faudree Rd.
2710 N. Grandview Ave.

• Odessa College

Saulsbury Campus Center, 201 W University Blvd.

• CBS7 Studios at the Music City Mall

4101 E. 42nd St., Suite J-7

• All American Chevrolet of Odessa

5020 John Ben Shepperd Pkwy.

In the News ... "Kooky Karnival coming up"

OA Photo by B. Kay Richter

• Fundraiser for the school set for October 28

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - St. John’s Episcopal School’s annual Kooky Karnival will take center stage Oct. 28 at Barn D and E of the Ector County Coliseum.

St. John’s students get an early start from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the public can roam the attractions from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Karnival, with a theme of Super Mario, is organized by Friends of St. John’s and is a fundraiser for the school.

Kooky Karnival Chairman Zach Foster said admission is free, but there is a punch card system for games and the Ghostly Grocery Store where they can pick up prizes.

“Each prize costs a certain amount of punches. There’s a food booth and a smaller like candy snack type thing called the Creepy Cuisine. There is a cash payment for those items,” Foster said.

There will also be a cake walk.

Jersey Girl Pizza is returning this year and the Chuck Wagon Gang will help with the food booth this year, Head of School Heather Kirk and Foster said ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Nonprofit Management Center to hold Generations session in Odessa"

• Accepting applications through July 15, 2023

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Nonprofit Management Center is accepting applications for Fall 2023 sessions of the Generations program through July 15. There are currently two separate eight session programs each year. Spring sessions are held in Midland and Fall sessions are held in Odessa.

It is widely recognized by the staff and boards of nonprofit organizations that the Permian Basin is facing a serious challenge in the recruitment and retention of volunteers equipped to serve at the board level. More than 400 business professionals from Midland, Odessa and nearby communities have graduated from “Generations…Past, Present, and Future,” a program created to address this issue.

Generations teaches willing, skilled candidates how to be informed, committed leaders on nonprofit boards by providing adequate oversight of administration in the nonprofit governance. Upon completing eight sessions over a four-month period, participants transition into service on a local nonprofit board that fits their personal preference and passion.

To register, visit www.nmc-pb.org/generations, or call (432) 570-7971.

In the News ... "Crescent Park Baptist to host Vacation Bible School"

• “Twist and Turns,” June 12-16

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Crescent Park Baptist Church, 3002 E University Blvd., is having their annual Vacation Bible School “Twist and Turns” from June 12 to 16.

Rally starts at 9:00 a.m. Sign up is available every day at 8:45 a.m.

For more information, call (432) 366-4476.

In the News ... "Odessa Church News"

• Today and in the days ahead, in Odessa-area houses of worship

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Coming events include worship services, classes, Bible studies, community outreach, fundraisers, mission opportunities and more. The Odessa American welcomes church special events. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesdays for consideration for the following Saturday’s edition. Email oalife@oaoa.com.

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, 1412 W. Illinois Ave., Midland, has scheduled an Episcopal 101 class from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays through April 2.

Breakfast will be served.

This class is open to all, including non-members.

Visit tinyurl.com/kdp5yt9m.

Catholic Charities Odessa has scheduled a banquet and comedy show featuring Lucas Bohn at 6 p.m. May 12 at the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Devonian Ballroom, 305 E. Fifth St.

Visit tinyurl.com/yjvmhwxn or call 432-332-1387.

Mid-Cities Church, 8700 Highway 191, Midland, has scheduled a Parkinson’s Disease support group meeting at 5:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

Visit midcities.org.

Odessa First Assembly, 1101 N. Lee Ave., has scheduled English as a Second Language lessons from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursdays through May 18.

The classes are free.

Visit tinyurl.com/mrytumk2.

Odessa First Assembly, 1101 N. Lee Ave., has scheduled a Better Together marriage ministry from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays.

Crescent Park Baptist Church, 3002 E. University Blvd., is offering a Spanish Language Bible Study by the Rev. Mike McGuire at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday.
For more information, call 432-366-4476.

Belmont Baptist Church, 806 N. Belmont Ave., has scheduled a food pantry from 9 a.m. to noon on the fourth Saturday of each month.

Visit tinyurl.com/3nfssxpc.

Belmont Baptist Church, 806 N. Belmont Ave., offers family meals during its Family Supper time from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. each Wednesday when Awana is in session.
Admission is free.
For more information, call 432-332-0248, email belmont@belmontbaptist.org or visit tinyurl.com/23vkhr47.

Catholic Charities Community Services Odessa, 2500 Andrews Highway, need of volunteers for pantry distribution.
Distribution times are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays.
For more information on dates and times, call 332-1387.
Visit facebook.com/ccodessatx or ccodessa.com.

Second Baptist Church, 711 E. 17th St., has scheduled classes in English as a second language at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Classes are free and childcare is available.
Call 432-366-2153 or visit tinyurl.com/4ektcjk6.

The West Texas Street Rod Association has scheduled Cars at Crossroads from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every fourth Saturday of each month at Crossroads Church, 6901 E. Highway 191.
There will be coffee and donuts inside the church.
Visit tinyurl.com/cdjd6pvt.

Door of Hope Mission are in need of financial support to help provide hot meals, a safe place to sleep and shower to those who struggle with addictions through Bible study and counseling.
There a few ways to give:
• PayPal Giving Fund: 100% goes to the mission, visit www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2432315. PayPal does not keep a processing fee when you use this service.
• Door of Hope Mission website, www.doorofhopemission.com/donate.html, or mail a check to Door of Hope Mission, PO Box 1789, Odessa, TX 79760.
• On Amazon or eBay, add Door of Hope Mission as preferred charity, and a portion of purchases will go to the mission.
• On Amazon Smile (www.smile.amazon.com): Login to your account then select Door of Hope Mission Odessa TX so the mission receives donations from eligible purchases when you shop.
• On eBay (charity.ebay.com/charity/charity-name/2432315): Add the Door Of Hope Mission to favorites.
All donations are tax deductible.
For more information, call 337-8294 or visit doorofhopemission.com.

Sherwood Church of Christ, 4900 North Dixie Blvd., offers free clothing on the first Saturday of every month.
With so many families in the community are losing their jobs due to COVID and the downturn in oil, the Sherwood Clothes Closet is an opportunity for people to find needed clothing items for the entire family.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Masks are required to comply with city orders and to protect each other from spreading the virus.

Victory Christian Fellowship Church, 325 N. County Road West, offers individuals assistance who are hurting from addictions to become drug and alcohol free, physically well and most important spiritually alive.
All services are provided for free.
Several homes are located throughout Texas, New Mexico and Chicago.
For more information, call the Rev. Albert Flores at 432-978-9959 or 432-335-8925.
For home locations, call for Odessa, 325-300-0832; El Paso, 915-838-8887; Fort Worth, 817-626-1819; Houston, 713-880-4732; Mathis, 361-547-3755; McAllen, 956-702-2781; San Angelo, 325-658-1061; Albuquerque, N.M., 505-550-5661; Artesia, N.M., 575-745-4294; and Chicago, 773-696-9094.

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... “American Legion to host 'Hope for the Homeless' event on April 3"

• Hope Alive Church and the West Texas Food Bank will both be at the event to help provide food to the homeless

Staff Report • KWES-TV

ODESSA TEXAS - American Legion Post 430 in Odesdsa will be hosting 'Hope for the Homeless' on April 3 ...

 • Read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...

In the News ... "Midland Habitat for Humanity dedicates 187th house in program’s history"

• Churches with "Apostle Build" also give their time and resources to build a home for a family in need

By Micah Allen, Reporter
• KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - TOn Friday, March 24. Midland Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 187th house at 801 E. Odessa, St.

Made possible through the support of churches participating in the “Apostle Build”, this new home will provide a house for an Odessa family in need. The “Apostle Build” is a program where local churches sponsor the construction of a Habitat house from start to finish ...

• Read the rest of this KOSA report ...

In the News ... “Midland and Odessa Jersey Mike's locations to participate in 'Day of Giving' event"

• On March 29, all proceeds will go directly to the West Texas Food Bank

Staff Report • KWES-TV

MIDLAND/ODESSA TEXAS - Midland and Odessa JJersey Mike's locations will be donating 100% of its proceeds to the West Texas Food Bank as a part of the "Day of Giving' event ...

 • Read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...

KWES Photo

In the News ... "Meals on Wheels 'Mudbug' fundraiser set for April"

• 23rd annual event at the Ector County Coliseum

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Meals On Wheels has scheduled the 23rd annual Mudbug from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 11 at the Ector County Coliseum, 4201 Andrews Highway.

There will be all-you-can-eat fried catfish, peel and eat shrimp, hush puppies, and crawfish.

Tickets start at $50 per person.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit facebook.com/mealsonwheelsodessa/.

In the News ... "Chef Alejandro to warm bellies and souls with free soup starting Tuesday "

KMID/KPEJ Photo

• “What better way to warm up the soul than with some soup?”

Staff Report
• KMID-TV/KPEV-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - Curb Side Bistro chef Alejandro and his team are once again stepping in to help the community amid a cold front that shuttered multiple businesses and food pantries on Monday.

“What better way to warm up the soul than with some soup,” Chef said in a Facebook post this afternoon announcing free soup available to anyone in need beginning Tuesday.

Anyone wanting a hot meal is invited to visit the restaurant at 3816 Andrews Highway for a free cup of soup. Patrons are welcome to enjoy their soup in the warmth of the restaurant or take extra to go for anyone waiting on a meal at home. Just ask for the Chef Special Soup.

In the News ... "Salvation Army needs help TODAY

• Any type of food or snacks will be appreciated.

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The The Salvation Army of Odessa’s shelter at 810 E. 11th is filling up and the non-profit is in desperate need of help TODAY.

They need prepared foods to serve to the guests who are staying due to the freezing temps. They can also use volunteers to help serve food.

Any type of food or snacks will be appreciated.

The Salvation Army is located at 810 E. 11th Street. Please drop off food at the shelter or call Juanita at (432) 653-6528.

In the News ... "Ector County warming shelter open"

KOSA Photo

• Decision to open shelter will be determined on day-to-day basis

By Micah Allen, Reporter
• KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - The warming shelter located at the Ector County Sheriff’s Office West Side Annex, 2261 W Sycamore, will be open now and will remain open dependent upon inclement weather conditions.

The decision to open the shelter will be determined on a day-to-day basis until the weather conditions improve.