Good morning, West Chester.

Shar’s Hands will hold its annual Santa’s Workshop at the CYWA in Coatesville on December 12 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — the event will help more than 150 families shop for gifts for over 375 children as they face SNAP benefit cuts.

VISTA Today has opened nominations for the 2026 Class of VISTA NextGen Superstars for Chester County’s young leaders under 40, with submissions accepted until Jan.

23. Honorees will be announced starting Feb. 10 and celebrated on April 30 at the Penn State Great Valley Conference Center—part of the proceeds will benefit the Chester County OIC.

Families in the area are facing more hunger as confusion over SNAP benefits pushes more people to the Whitehall Food Pantry, which fed 57 families Monday instead of about 40 normally.

Volunteers say calls for help have increased urgently and the Supreme Court is expected to rule today on an appeal that may further delay benefits.

Food pantry staff at St. Martin’s Center have adjusted operations to serve more clients amid SNAP benefits uncertainty.

CEO David Gonzalez said new measures may include giving slightly smaller portions—helping more neighbors get food as they face growing challenges.

MacElree Harvey, Ltd. earned national and regional recognition in the 2026 Best Law Firms rankings, with honors in criminal defense, family law, and real estate law — marking its fifth consecutive year of excellence.

Pennsylvania paused roughly $295M in SNAP benefits after the Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court ruling, though families who already received funds may still use them.

Gov. Shapiro’s office will resume payments once a ruling is issued— the high court is expected to rule today.

Chester County restaurants Shady Maple Smorgasbord in Lancaster and West Chester's Andiario were named among Pennsylvania's best by The Takeout.

Shady Maple serves the nation’s largest buffet of comfort food and Andiario, which has been nominated for a James Beard Award and changes its menu weekly, gives local diners new tastes—both spots attract locals and visitors.

Throwdown Thursdays at Más

9-11:45 p.m. — Más Mexicali Cantina — $4 Miller Lites, $10 Marg Pitchers — Line dance the night away with Boot Scootin Becky and enjoy tasty drink specials.

Throwdown Thursdays at Más

9-11:45 p.m. — Más Mexicali Cantina — $4 Miller Lites and $10 Marg Pitchers — Kick up your heels with Boot Scootin Becky as you enjoy a lively line dancing night.

Chester County Craft Show

2-8 p.m. — Sturzebecker Health Science Center — Free entry — Browse through 200+ local vendors for unique holiday gifts and crafts.

2025 West Chester Christmas Parade

5:30-9:30 p.m. — West Chester Lodge #322 — Free — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive parade featuring local performers, award-winning floats, and Santa's appearance.