Nestled in the heart of our city, the Memorial Bells of First United Methodist Church ring out with timeless harmony echoing memories and making moments that have added to our city’s legacies.
The Memorial Bells is a music ministry that began in December 2007 with one and a half octaves of handbells borrowed from Christ Church Episcopal. It has grown into three octaves of Schulmerich Handbells and three octaves of Suzuki Handchimes purchased using Memorial Funds from First United Methodist Church and generous donations from Jon Dee & Rolinda Lawrence and Peggy Dietrick.
Memorial Bells of the First United Methodist Church will present “Ring Noel” at 3 p.m. today in the church sanctuary at 1220 McClelland Ave. This will be the 16th annual holiday concert for the group. Musical selections will include both sacred and secular arrangements of favorite Christmas-Advent carols.
A Ring-Sing-A-Long with the handbells, organist Alejandra Rodriguez, flautist Karina Penaloza, violinist Danica Solis, percussionist Bobby Castro and Masters of Ceremonies Gene Belmares will occur. The concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted.
Nestled in the heart of our city, the Memorial Bells of First United Methodist Church ring out with timeless harmony echoing memories and making moments that have added to our city’s legacies.
The Memorial Bells is a music ministry that began in December 2007 with one and a half octaves of handbells borrowed from Christ Church Episcopal. It has grown into three octaves of Schulmerich Handbells and three octaves of Suzuki Handchimes purchased using Memorial Funds from First United Methodist Church and generous donations from Jon Dee & Rolinda Lawrence and Peggy Dietrick.
Memorial Bells of the First United Methodist Church will present “Ring Noel” at 3 p.m. today in the church sanctuary at 1220 McClelland Ave. This will be the 16th annual holiday concert for the group. Musical selections will include both sacred and secular arrangements of favorite Christmas-Advent carols.
A Ring-Sing-A-Long with the handbells, organist Alejandra Rodriguez, flautist Karina Penaloza, violinist Danica Solis, percussionist Bobby Castro and Masters of Ceremonies Gene Belmares will occur. The concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted.
The concert will be dedicated to Craig Lawrence. They will bring joy in his memory. Craig passed away June 14. He served as master of ceremonies for many years of previous concerts. Rev. Alvaro Guzman is the pastor at First United Methodist Church. Linda Mott is the director of the Memorial Bells. For more information contact Linda at lmott@sbcglobal.net.
As the Memorial Bells continue to chime, they serve not only as a tribute to the past, but a beacon of hope and unity for generations to come. In every note we find a connection to our heritage and spirit of our community.
Children’s Advocacy Center: Kendra Scott Gives Back
On support a great cause on Tuesday while shopping for your holiday gifts at Kendra Scotts at 5300 San Dario Ave., Suite 182. On that day, 20% of your purchase will help benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) program services when you mention it at your checkout. If you would like to learn more about CAC, they will have a booth providing information from 3–5 p.m. during the event. If you cannot make it into the store, you can also shop online anytime Dec. 16 and 17 at kendrascott.com. Shine Bright & Do Good.
Imaginarium of South Texas: Heb Free Family Fun Night
Join us for the HEB Free Family Fun Night from 4–8 p.m. Friday at the Imaginarium on the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street), Building P-149. For more information, please call 956-728-0404.
Area Health Education Center (AHEC): Rally Up – YOU ARE NOT ALONE
AHEC will be having a rally from 11 a.m. to noon Friday at the Mar del Mar on McPherson & Del Mar to create awareness that YOU ARE NOT ALONE for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Participants are encouraged to wear their 988 T-shirt or wear purple. For more information, please contact AHEC at 956-712-0037.
Volunteers Serving the Need: Community service hours (AHEC)
Volunteers are needed from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at 1202 Salinas Ave. Students can earn community service hours (new students are welcomed). If you would like to volunteer or need additional information, please contact Jackie.ahec@gmail.com or call AHEC at 956-712-0037.
VITA Volunteers: Catholic Charities and United Way of Laredo
Catholic Charities and United Way are partnering to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for the upcoming tax season. If you are interested in becoming a certified volunteer for the VITA program, please contact Edgar Martinez at Catholic Charities, 956-722-2443, or Elizabeth Luna at 956-723-9133 by Dec. 22 to register for the training.
Laredo Animal Protective Society (LAPS): Barks & Brews label contest
Visit www.petadoptlaredo.org to learn more about how you can enter your dog for the competition. Only photos of dogs will be accepted. No people may be in the photo. Photos must feature your own dog or a dog you have permission to enter. The deadline to submit your photo is 8 p.m. Jan. 3, 2026. A $20 donation is required for each entry. You may enter more than one dog, but each dog requires its own entry. LAPS reserves the right to decline any photo that does not meet contest standards.
As the Memorial Bells continue to chime, they serve not only as a tribute to the past, but a beacon of hope and unity for generations to come. In every note we find a connection to our heritage and spirit of our community.
Children’s Advocacy Center: Kendra Scott Gives Back
On support a great cause on Tuesday while shopping for your holiday gifts at Kendra Scotts at 5300 San Dario Ave., Suite 182. On that day, 20% of your purchase will help benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) program services when you mention it at your checkout. If you would like to learn more about CAC, they will have a booth providing information from 3–5 p.m. during the event. If you cannot make it into the store, you can also shop online anytime Dec. 16 and 17 at kendrascott.com. Shine Bright & Do Good.
Imaginarium of South Texas: Heb Free Family Fun Night
Join us for the HEB Free Family Fun Night from 4–8 p.m. Friday at the Imaginarium on the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street), Building P-149. For more information, please call 956-728-0404.
Area Health Education Center (AHEC): Rally Up – YOU ARE NOT ALONE
AHEC will be having a rally from 11 a.m. to noon Friday at the Mar del Mar on McPherson & Del Mar to create awareness that YOU ARE NOT ALONE for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Participants are encouraged to wear their 988 T-shirt or wear purple. For more information, please contact AHEC at 956-712-0037.
Volunteers Serving the Need: Community service hours (AHEC)
Volunteers are needed from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at 1202 Salinas Ave. Students can earn community service hours (new students are welcomed). If you would like to volunteer or need additional information, please contact Jackie.ahec@gmail.com or call AHEC at 956-712-0037.
VITA Volunteers: Catholic Charities and United Way of Laredo
Catholic Charities and United Way are partnering to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for the upcoming tax season. If you are interested in becoming a certified volunteer for the VITA program, please contact Edgar Martinez at Catholic Charities, 956-722-2443, or Elizabeth Luna at 956-723-9133 by Dec. 22 to register for the training.
Mental Health Virtual Seminar: Winter Blues and Your Mental Health
Everyone is invited to attend the virtual seminar featuring guest speaker Becky Diaz, BA, CHW. Participants will earn knowledge contact hour. The event will be from 1:30–2:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 2026. For more information, please contact hmedellin@mrgbahec.org or call 956-712-0037.
Area Health Education Center (AHEC): Community health workers
AHEC will be having a Certification Training for Community Health Workers via Zoom at 6 p.m. Jan. 13, 2026 (9-week course). If you would like to register or need additional information, please contact Vicky Morales at vmorales@mrgbahec.org or contact AHEC at 956-712-0037.
Laredo Crime Stoppers: 30th annual Menudo Bowl XSS
SAVE THE DATE! Jan. 24, 2026. For more information on how to get involved, sponsor, participate, and volunteer, reach out by calling 956-724-1876 or sending an email to info@laredocrimestoppers.org.
If you have a upcoming community event or information on a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, please email at 956cuidandolaredo@gmail.com.
Carolyn M. Schmies of United Way of Laredo
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