Neosho November Kicks Off a Season of Giving, Holiday Fun and Community Events

NEOSHO, MO. — From helping local families in need to lighting up the city for Christmas, Neosho is gearing up for a busy season filled with opportunities for residents to give back, celebrate and enjoy their community.

Neosho Police Chief Russell and the Neosho Parks and Recreation Department are teaming up for several initiatives throughout November and December, including a food drive, Christmas light displays, a holiday parade and the annual Shop of the Heroes program.

One of the first initiatives is Neosho November, an effort led by the Neosho Police Department to collect food donations for The Help Center in Neosho.

During the month, participating officers will grow out their facial hair, with officers who are unable to participate receiving a complimentary day off. However, the initiative is about more than facial hair. This year's focus is helping local families who are struggling to afford groceries.

Chief Russell said he reached out to The Help Center to find out what items were most needed. He learned the organization currently can provide one food box per family each month.

With grocery prices continuing to put pressure on household budgets, the department hopes to help restock the organization's shelves and make more food available to families.

Residents are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items, including canned goods, beans, rice, noodles and other pantry staples.

Donations can be dropped off at the Neosho Police Department. Residents who need assistance arranging a pickup can call 417-451-8012, and officers will come collect donations.

The department also hopes the drive will bring more awareness to the services The Help Center provides throughout the community.

While the police department focuses on giving back, the Parks and Recreation Department is preparing to bring some holiday magic to Neosho.

November marks the beginning of Christmas light installations throughout the city, with approximately one million lights expected to brighten up Neosho this holiday season.

Kenny with Neosho Parks and Recreation said crews are working to get the displays ready, with a large concentration of lights planned for the downtown square and the police department. The police department will also feature a chimney display with Santa Claus.

The holiday season officially kicks off with the city's Grand Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, when the community will gather to watch the lights come on for the first time.

The festivities continue Dec. 5 with Neosho's Christmas Parade, giving residents another opportunity to celebrate the season together.

Another holiday tradition returning this year is Shop of the Heroes, a Neosho Police Department initiative that helps provide Christmas gifts for local children.

The department is currently collecting donations and hopes to raise approximately $35,000 this year to make the program bigger than in previous years.

Chief Russell said the goal is to make sure children have a memorable Christmas, especially as families face difficult financial decisions during the holidays.

He said some families are having to choose between putting food on the table and providing Christmas gifts for their children. The department wants to help eliminate that choice.

Community members and businesses interested in donating can contact or visit the Neosho Police Department. The fundraising deadline is expected to fall around Dec. 2 or 3 to allow time for the department to purchase gifts ahead of the Dec. 12 Shop of the Heroes event.

Beyond the holiday season, Neosho also has new recreational opportunities on the horizon.

The Parks and Recreation Department is working on a new park near the city's golf course called Rocketine Park.

Plans include an all-inclusive playground designed to welcome children and adults of varying abilities, along with pickleball courts, a pavilion and walking trails.

The project is another step toward creating more opportunities for families to spend time outdoors and enjoy the community.

Looking ahead, Neosho also will celebrate the opening of trout season at Hickory Creek. Approximately two miles of the creek run through the city, where the Missouri Department of Conservation stocks trout ahead of the season. A special opening-day ceremony is planned, similar to the celebrations held at other popular trout-fishing destinations.

City officials encourage residents to stay informed about upcoming events, activities and opportunities to get involved by visiting neoshomo.gov.

From donating a few pantry staples to enjoying the Christmas lights or participating in community events, officials say there are plenty of ways for residents to be part of what's happening in Neosho.

As the city heads into the holiday season, the message is simple: celebrate together, support one another and continue building a stronger community.