Good morning, Des Moines.

On Dec. 9, Salvation Army said a gold coin valued at $4,000 was found in a red kettle outside Hy-Vee in Urbandale, adding a boost to its seasonal fundraising campaign that supports local social services.

Red kettles will remain outside metro stores through Dec. 24.

UnityPoint Health Des Moines is contesting its nurses’ union vote after last week’s ballots showed 871 in favor and 666 opposed, claiming the union abused the ballot challenge process (251 ballots are under dispute) and leaving uncertainty while the NLRB reviews the disputed votes.

A new feature takes a look at decades of Christmas shopping in Des Moines, showing vintage photos and firsthand scenes from early winter to busy mall days.

The retrospective spans from the 1940s through the late 1990s and reflects evolving holiday traditions.

Iowa officials announced a statewide celebration + America’s Harvest will be the centerpiece for the 250th birthday festivities with a festival on Oct.

24 and a full year of webinars, historical displays and voter registration events led by a new task force, including Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

Maccabees Deli lit the Grand Menorah on the sixth day of Hanukkah on Dec.

19 in Des Moines, and Rabbi Rossi Jacobson led the event (with festive latkes) as community members observed the celebration.

Des Moines Public Schools will pilot a new faith-based extracurricular program in January at Garton Elementary, with weekly sessions held off school grounds at Grace Church.

Parents must opt in for the voluntary 40-minute session, and district leaders hope the program expands to other schools.

Families with food allergies are urged to ask party hosts about ingredients because hidden allergens may pose risks during holiday gatherings; Dr. Knox (pediatric allergist) advises bringing safe snacks if details are uncertain.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

Drake Bulldogs Women's Basketball vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

1-3:30 p.m. — Knapp Center — $10-$40 — Witness an exciting basketball showdown between the Drake Bulldogs and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with a new hands-on art activity every week for all ages and skill levels.

Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy

7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Cost info not provided — Laugh along as Snow White and her friends redefine their story in a must-see musical comedy.

Baby Rhyme Time

9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in a delightful mix of rhymes, songs, and stories designed for caregivers and babies up to 18 months.

Dome for the Holidays

5-9 p.m. — Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden — Adults $17, Children (2-12) $11 — Experience a dazzling display of lights and joyful festivities in a tropical oasis.

NAMI Family Support Group

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free of cost — Connect with others in a supportive environment for loved ones of individuals with mental health conditions.

Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy

7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Tickets required — A hilarious reimagining of classic princess tales with Snow White and her disenchanted friends setting the record straight.

Jeff Dunham Live

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Casey's Center — Tickets available — Experience a night of laughter with ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his puppet pals in a comedic performance infused with innovative material and AI humor.

K-pop Monthly Meet-up

5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Celebrate K-pop culture with trading, activities, and snacks alongside fellow fans.

New Year's Eve Pops

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Des Moines Civic Center — $40 - $90 — Experience a dazzling performance by Cirque artists paired with beloved orchestral masterpieces for an unforgettable New Year's celebration.