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December 5, 2006

THE MAYOR'S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

2006 Holiday Tree PhotoJoin Mayor Bill White for live music, fireworks and the lighting of the official holiday tree.

Hosted by Deborah Duncan and Ron Trevino.

Friday, December 8, 2006
5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Hermann Square at City Hall, 901 Bagby

Thank you to sponsors Reliant Energy, Channel 11 - Spirit of Texas, Downtown District, City of Houston - Mayor Bill White, Houston Parks & Recreation Department.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE CITY OF HOUSTON!


'TIS THE SEASON FOR SHOPPING ... AND STEALING
A Warning From HPD To All Shoppers

Stealing GraphicThe Houston Police Department wants all Houstonians to check your list and shopping habits twice: do not leave anything valuable in view in your car when you park , keep your purse/wallet and purchases with you at all time s, and be aware of your surroundings . If you choose to buy gift cards, read below for information on a new holiday threat from criminals.

Besides the usual shoplifting, purse snatching, and pickpocketing, crooks have now found a way to rob you of your gift card balance. If you buy gift cards from a display rack you may become a victim of theft. Crooks are now jotting down the card numbers in the store, waiting a few days, then calling to see how much of a balance THEY have on the card. Once they find the card is "activated", they then go online and start shopping.

You may want to purchase your card from a customer service person, where they do not have the gift cards viewable to the public. Please share this with all your family and friends so no one becomes a victim. For more holiday safety tips, go to
https://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/holiday_safety_brochure.pdf.


PUT FOOD AND TOYS ON THE CURB FOR FAMILIES IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
4th Holiday Curbside Food Drive To Benefit Needy Families

Food Drive PhotoBy placing canned goods, non-perishable food items or toys in a grocery bag at the curb on garbage collection day this week (December 4 to 8, 2006), you can help contribute to needy Houston families. The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) and the City Wide Club are co-sponsoring the 4th Annual Trash and Treasure Curbside Food Drive to benefit the 28th Annual Christmas Eve Big Feast held at the George R. Brown Convention Center on December 24th. The goal of this year's Christmas Eve Big Feast will be to serve more than 20,000 underprivileged families, distribute 100,000 toys, and give out more than 6,000 food baskets, along with clothing, shoes and other household items.

If you do not have curbside pickup through the City of Houston, or have more food and toys to give, you can bring them to a neighborhood depository or service center listed on the Solid Waste Department website -- www.houstonsolidwaste.org.


NEW PET ADOPTION CENTER HAS A PRESENT FOR EVERYONE
Get Furry Friends And Astros' Pet Calendar For 2007

Puppy PicHomeless pets need homes and donations during this holiday season. Animals Across Borders and the City of Houston's Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) have partnered together to build the new Saving Animals' Adoption Center at Northwest Mall.

Kitten PicThe Houston Astros lent a helping hand by posing with their pets in a colorful calendar for the coming year.

This great holiday gift will help generate funds needed to increase pet adoptions at the new adoption center and to increase awareness about animal homelessness in Houston.

Pets are available for adoption and calendars are on sale now! For more information visit www.savinganimals.org or BARC's website.


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Mailing Address:  City of Houston | P.O. Box 1562 | Houston, Texas 77251
City Hall Address:  City of Houston | 901 Bagby | Houston, Texas 77002