BLAND — Bland officials are preparing for Christmas activities while seeking additional donations for Shop with a Hero.

Police Chief Charles (Chuck) Holtz  reported at the monthly city meeting Oct. 12 that donation containers had been placed at City Hall and local businesses. The department hopes to raise another $500 to bring the program’s total to $4,000 for this year.

Donations collected during the city’s fireworks event helped the fundraising effort, according to the police report.

“We’re taking donations,” Holtz said.

Officials also discussed Christmas in Bland, planned for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Finding someone to portray Santa Claus is a priority because the previous Santa has moved away.

A parade remains under consideration. Other ideas include free face painting for children, popcorn and food, with donations and business participation helping support the celebration.

Planning also extends to next spring’s Easter event. Officials said they have 11,000 eggs and will need volunteers to place lights inside them.

“We’re gonna need lots of help,” Mayor Merrilee Spurgeon said.

The discussion included waiting until dark before allowing participants into the hunt area and preparing hot dogs ahead of time to better serve the crowd.

Officials also mentioned the Small Wonders Montessori school is holding a Halloween event, although its date and details were not confirmed during the meeting.